Arlington vs Houston: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,588 | $112,549▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.21 | $54.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,811 | $98,526▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,443 | $101,717▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,136▲ | $121,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,721▲ | $133,761 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $3,961 (3.65%). Houston's median is +5.78% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $71,910,Houston spans $35,235. Arlington 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, Houston ($114,113 effective) pays 0.88% more than Arlington ($113,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,721)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,549/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,113)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Arlington grew 13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$90,863 (2024) → $103,457 (2025)
Houston, TX
$79,970 (2019) → $107,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Arlington or Houston?
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Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a nuclear medicine technologist?
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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