Athens vs Cleveland: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,804 | $104,330▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.54 | $50.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,682 | $85,280▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,203 | $92,134▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,901▲ | $108,088 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,815▲ | $111,572 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $7,526 (7.77%). Cleveland's median is -1.94% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $42,133,Cleveland spans $26,292. Athens 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, Cleveland ($111,080 effective) pays 4.08% more than Athens ($106,730 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,815)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,330/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,080)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Athens grew 24.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$74,058 (2024) → $92,229 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$77,140 (2019) → $99,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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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