Paterson vs Princeton: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Paterson, NJ and Princeton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | Princeton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $587,060▲ | $581,179 |
| Hourly Rate | $282.24▲ | $279.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $340,495▲ | $337,084 |
| 25th Percentile | $422,684▲ | $418,449 |
| 75th Percentile | $730,419▲ | $680,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $849,034▲ | $775,875 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Princeton.
The salary gap between Paterson and Princeton is $5,881 (1.01%). Paterson's median is +32.85% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Paterson spans $508,539,Princeton spans $438,791. Paterson 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, Paterson ($509,601 effective) pays 1.01% more than Princeton ($504,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($587,060/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($849,034)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $509,601)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Princeton if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Paterson grew 19.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Princeton over the same period.
Paterson, NJ
$466,231 (2024) → $559,105 (2025)
Princeton, NJ
$461,560 (2024) → $553,504 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Paterson, NJ
Princeton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov