Reston vs Virginia Beach: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Reston, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Reston, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,378▲ | $104,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.62▲ | $50.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,299 | $86,970▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,999 | $100,888▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,850▲ | $113,073 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,446▲ | $113,073 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Reston, VA offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Reston and Virginia Beach is $2,796 (2.67%). Reston's median is +0.92% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Reston spans $57,147,Virginia Beach spans $26,103. Reston 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 2.63% more than Reston ($104,048 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Reston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,378/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,446)
- ✓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 Reston grew 10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Reston, VA
$92,848 (2024) → $102,304 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$73,540 (2019) → $99,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Reston, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nuclear medicine technologists more: Reston or Virginia Beach?
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Should I relocate from Reston 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