Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Chesapeake, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Chesapeake, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,582 | $104,988▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.28 | $50.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,970▲ | $74,002 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,888▲ | $90,715 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,073 | $127,162▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,073 | $149,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 63 |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake is $406 (0.39%). Chesapeake's median is -1.33% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $26,103,Chesapeake spans $75,782. Chesapeake 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, Virginia Beach ($106,781 effective) pays 4.96% more than Chesapeake ($101,733 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,781)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,988/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,784)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Virginia Beach grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in Chesapeake over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,540 (2019) → $99,640 (2025)
Chesapeake, VA
$98,172 (2024) → $100,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Chesapeake, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Virginia Beach or Chesapeake?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Chesapeake?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Chesapeake as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Virginia Beach vs Chesapeake?
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