Sacramento vs San Diego: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $181,854▲ | $170,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $87.43▲ | $81.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,045▲ | $128,870 |
| 25th Percentile | $153,808▲ | $141,360 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,205▲ | $174,433 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,324▲ | $176,805 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Diego is $11,420 (6.70%). Sacramento's median is +70.92% 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,San Diego spans $47,935. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($170,483 effective) pays 11.92% more than San Diego ($152,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($181,854/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,324)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $170,483)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓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 35.5% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$128,540 (2019) → $173,260 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$119,880 (2019) → $162,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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