Auburn vs Seattle: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Auburn, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,952 | $139,996▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.31 | $67.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,498 | $112,055▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,796 | $119,098▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,643 | $159,529▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,171 | $172,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Seattle is $27,044 (23.94%). Seattle's median is +31.58% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $69,673,Seattle spans $60,268. 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, Seattle ($125,972 effective) pays 19.78% more than Auburn ($105,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,323)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,972)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Auburn grew -16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Auburn, WA
$129,515 (2024) → $107,614 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$101,630 (2019) → $133,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Auburn or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Seattle as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Auburn vs Seattle?
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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