Lake Forest vs Los Angeles: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Lake Forest, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,078▲ | $164,168 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.21▲ | $78.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $137,866▲ | $129,206 |
| 25th Percentile | $146,926▲ | $139,471 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,789▲ | $176,469 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,402▲ | $186,000 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Lake Forest, CA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and Los Angeles is $8,910 (5.43%). Lake Forest's median is +62.67% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $93,536,Los Angeles spans $56,794. Lake Forest 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, Lake Forest ($153,031 effective) pays 5.86% more than Los Angeles ($144,557 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,078/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,402)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,031)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Lake Forest grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.6% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$146,575 (2024) → $164,899 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$112,050 (2019) → $156,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Lake Forest or Los Angeles?
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Should I relocate from Lake Forest to Los Angeles 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