Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Austin vs Friendswood: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Austin, TX and Friendswood, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$112,622
$54.15/hr
Friendswood, TX
$98,733
$47.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXFriendswood, TX
Median Salary$112,622$98,733
Hourly Rate$54.15$47.46
Entry Level (P10)$98,190$81,859
25th Percentile$104,204$87,873
75th Percentile$127,558$113,931
Top Earner (P90)$132,690$128,963
Total Employed808
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($112,622) and Friendswood ($98,733) nuclear medicine technologist salaries.AustinFriendswoodMedian Salary$112,622$98,733Entry Level (P10)$98,190$81,859Top Earner (P90)$132,690$128,963US Median $106,398

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Friendswood.

The salary gap between Austin and Friendswood is $13,889 (14.07%). Austin's median is +5.85% compared to the US national median of $106,398.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $34,500,Friendswood spans $47,104. Friendswood has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$98,190
P25$104,204
Median$112,622
P75$127,558
P90 (Top)$132,690
Friendswood
P10 (Entry)$81,859
P25$87,873
Median$98,733
P75$113,931
P90 (Top)$128,963

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($114,843 effective) pays 11.66% more than Friendswood ($102,847 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $112,622
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $114,843
Friendswood
Nominal: $98,733
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $102,847

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($112,622/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($132,690)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,843)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Friendswood if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Austin grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Friendswood over the same period.

Austin, TX

+33.6%

$80,300 (2019) → $107,300 (2025)

Friendswood, TX

+10.2%

$85,372 (2024) → $94,067 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Austin or Friendswood?

Austin has a higher median nuclear medicine technologist salary at $112,622/year, compared to Friendswood at $98,733/year — a difference of $13,889 (14.07%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Friendswood?

Austin nuclear medicine technologists earn $54.15/hr while Friendswood hygienists earn $47.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Friendswood as a nuclear medicine technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Friendswood. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $114,843, Friendswood = $102,847), job availability (80 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Austin vs Friendswood?

Entry-level (10th percentile) nuclear medicine technologists earn $98,190 in Austin and $81,859 in Friendswood. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AC

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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