Marion vs South Bend: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Marion, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Marion, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,885 | $100,236▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.13 | $48.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,112▲ | $75,120 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,540 | $84,033▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,831 | $115,587▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,526 | $132,588▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 26▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marion.
The salary gap between Marion and South Bend is $6,351 (6.76%). South Bend's median is -5.79% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marion spans $38,414,South Bend spans $57,468. South Bend 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, South Bend ($109,788 effective) pays 6.76% more than Marion ($102,831 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Marion if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,236/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,588)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,788)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Marion grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Marion, IN
$74,120 (2024) → $89,448 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$79,135 (2024) → $95,499 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Marion, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Marion or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Marion and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Marion to South Bend as a nuclear medicine technologist?
What do entry-level nuclear medicine technologists earn in Marion vs South Bend?
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