Lake Ridge vs Virginia Beach: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Lake Ridge, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Ridge, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,218▲ | $104,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.59▲ | $50.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,016 | $86,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,198 | $100,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,499▲ | $113,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,410▲ | $113,073 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Lake Ridge, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Lake Ridge and Virginia Beach is $636 (0.61%). Lake Ridge's median is -1.11% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Ridge spans $52,394,Virginia Beach spans $26,103. Lake Ridge 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 4.73% more than Lake Ridge ($101,955 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Ridge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,218/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,410)
- ✓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 Lake Ridge grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Lake Ridge, VA
$90,979 (2024) → $100,246 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,540 (2019) → $99,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Ridge, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Lake Ridge or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Ridge and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Lake Ridge to Virginia Beach as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Lake Ridge vs Virginia Beach?
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