Salinas vs San Francisco: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Salinas, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salinas, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $179,110 | $199,204▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $86.11 | $95.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,545 | $143,155▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $146,820 | $179,901▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $213,990▲ | $206,887 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $249,459▲ | $215,095 |
| Total Employed | 29 | 170▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salinas.
The salary gap between Salinas and San Francisco is $20,094 (11.22%). San Francisco's median is +87.23% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salinas spans $118,914,San Francisco spans $71,940. Salinas 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, San Francisco ($172,302 effective) pays 8.80% more than Salinas ($158,364 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salinas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,459)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($199,204/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $172,302)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Salinas grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.9% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Salinas, CA
$151,684 (2024) → $170,646 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$124,920 (2019) → $189,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salinas, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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