Auburn vs Buffalo: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Auburn, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,199▲ | $109,347 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.34▲ | $52.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,310▲ | $81,984 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,920▲ | $94,202 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,495▲ | $110,565 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,066▲ | $113,955 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, NY offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Auburn and Buffalo is $7,852 (7.18%). Auburn's median is +10.15% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $58,756,Buffalo spans $31,971. Auburn 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, Buffalo ($114,089 effective) pays 12.82% more than Auburn ($101,121 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($117,199/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,066)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,089)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Auburn grew -6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$118,964 (2024) → $111,661 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$79,530 (2019) → $104,180 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Auburn or Buffalo?
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Should I relocate from Auburn to Buffalo 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