Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Beaumont, CA: $133,668 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Beaumont, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $133,668 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beaumont's local price level (BEA RPP 113.113% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $118,186 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($171,304) within a few years of clinical practice.

$133,668
Starting Salary
$64.27/hr
Starting Hourly
$133,668
Entry Level
$171,304
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Entry Level Salary in Beaumont, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Beaumont, CA nuclear medicine technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates seeking employment as nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont, California can anticipate a starting salary of around $133,668 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level earnings at the 10th percentile, which is a reasonable expectation for new professionals entering the field. While the median annual salary in Beaumont is projected to be $171,304 for the same year, there's a noticeable gap for early-career roles. Entry-level technologists can expect to see their salary grow progressively as they gain experience, with potential earning reaching $147,081 at the 25th percentile after just a few years in the workforce. Given the positive outlook for the nuclear medicine sector, driven by advancements in PET/CT imaging and theranostics, Beaumont currently presents a favorable job market for new graduates seeking to embark on their careers.

About the Beaumont Market

Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Beaumont

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$133,668/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$147,081/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$171,304/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$201,382/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beaumont

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont. The median salary is $171,304, compared to the national median of $106,398.$95.8K$131.0K$166.3K$201.6K$236.8K$133.7K10th Pctl$147.1K25th Pctl$171.3KMedian$201.4K75th Pctl$225.6K90th PctlUS Median$106.4K

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont, CA typically start between $133,668 and $147,081 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,882 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $171,30461% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nuclear medicine technologist pay in the Beaumont metro area.

Return on Investment

$38,000
Avg CA Program Cost
$133,668
Starting Salary
28.43%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nuclear medicine program cost in California of $38,000 represents just 28.43% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($133,668/year) in Beaumont. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine technology program data. Available as associate degree, bachelor's degree, or post-primary certificate pathways. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type.

NMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Beaumont

  • 1Research the Beaumont market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $133,668 to $147,081, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nuclear medicine field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beaumont, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Beaumont for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Beaumont's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Compensation Range

The nuclear medicine technologist wage spread in Beaumont is $91,882 ( 68.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $133,668, experienced hygienists can earn up to $225,550.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$92,251

2025 BLS Actual

$127,351

2026 Current Est.

$133,668

2019–2027 Growth

+52.1%

Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Beaumont (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont. Baseline $92,251 in 2025, projected to $140,298 by 2027.$82.6K$99.5K$116.3K$133.1K$149.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$92.3K$94.3K$98.8K$105.5K$113.0K$114.5K$127.4K$133.7K$140.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$92,251Actual
2020$94,323Actual
2021$98,759Actual
2022$105,495Actual
2023$113,031Actual
2024$114,458Actual
2025$127,351Actual
2026(current)$133,668Estimated
2027$140,298Projected

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Beaumont, CA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $92,251 in 2019 to $127,351 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $140,298. New graduates entering the Beaumont job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beaumont metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your nuclear medicine Career in Beaumont

Employers in Beaumont primarily seeking to hire new nuclear medicine technologists are often hospital nuclear medicine departments that provide necessary training, including paid cross-training for PET/CT procedures. Outpatient PET imaging chains generally prefer pre-credentialed PET technicians, while theranostics centers tend to look for candidates with 3-5 years of PET/CT experience. To enhance starting pay in California, obtaining credentials such as an associate’s or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, alongside national certification from the NMTCB or ARRT(N), is essential. Inclusion of CT cross-training, either through NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT pathways, and training in radiation safety can also bolster initial salary offerings. For those in their first three years, focusing on the growing sectors of PET/CT and theranostics—particularly therapies such as Pluvicto and Lutathera—could lead to more lucrative opportunities, as these areas command higher compensation than traditional SPECT-only roles. It is realistic for early-career technologists in Beaumont to anticipate salary increases as they build experience and skills in a market where demand for nuclear medicine services is on the rise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont in 2026?

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont start at approximately $133,668/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.96% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $64.26/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Beaumont?

Most nuclear medicine technologists in Beaumont progress from the entry-level salary of $133,668 to the area median of $171,304 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $225,550 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Beaumont?

With a starting salary of $133,668/year in Beaumont and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nuclear medicine technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Beaumont?

New nuclear medicine graduates in Beaumont typically start near the 10th percentile at $133,668/year, or approximately $64.26/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in California?

To become a licensed nuclear medicine technologist in California, you typically need an associate degree or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including California, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nuclear medicine technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nuclear medicine graduates. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Beaumont. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Beaumont is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033).

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

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