Charlotte vs Durham: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,224 | $100,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.75 | $48.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,691▲ | $69,994 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,081 | $86,162▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,684 | $116,930▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,508 | $142,208▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 67 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Durham is $2,961 (3.05%). Durham's median is -5.84% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $44,817,Durham spans $72,214. Durham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nuclear medicine technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Durham ($107,035 effective) pays 7.17% more than Charlotte ($99,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,208)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,035)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Charlotte grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Durham over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$70,880 (2019) → $92,630 (2025)
Durham, NC
$71,710 (2019) → $95,451 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Charlotte or Durham?
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Should I relocate from Charlotte to Durham 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