Sacramento vs Irvine: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and Irvine, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $181,854 | $183,123▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $87.43 | $88.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,045 | $138,251▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $153,808 | $155,104▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $195,205 | $222,339▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,324 | $256,151▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 72 |
Verdict
Irvine, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Irvine is $1,269 (0.70%). Irvine's median is +72.11% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $71,279,Irvine spans $117,900. Irvine has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($170,483 effective) pays 5.29% more than Irvine ($161,912 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $170,483)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Irvine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($183,123/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($256,151)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Sacramento grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Irvine over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$128,540 (2019) → $173,260 (2025)
Irvine, CA
$155,082 (2024) → $174,469 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Irvine, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Sacramento or Irvine?
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Should I relocate from Sacramento to Irvine as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov