Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,243▲ | $104,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.60▲ | $50.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,244 | $86,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,589 | $100,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,400▲ | $113,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,752▲ | $113,073 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $661 (0.63%). Charlottesville's median is -1.09% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $49,508,Virginia Beach spans $26,103. Charlottesville 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, Virginia Beach ($106,781 effective) pays 4.71% more than Charlottesville ($101,980 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,752)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,781)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Charlottesville grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$91,002 (2024) → $100,270 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,540 (2019) → $99,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach 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