Cookeville vs Nashville: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Cookeville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,499 | $80,494▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.49 | $38.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,925 | $60,510▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,851 | $65,901▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,355 | $87,496▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,045 | $105,037▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,450▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Nashville is $14,995 (22.89%). Nashville's median is -4.57% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $45,120,Nashville spans $44,527. Cookeville 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, Nashville ($83,554 effective) pays 17.10% more than Cookeville ($71,350 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,494/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,037)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,554)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Cookeville grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$54,080 (2024) → $62,208 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$51,220 (2019) → $76,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Cookeville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Nashville as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Cookeville vs Nashville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov