Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in San Bernardino, CA: $111,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the San Bernardino, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $111,117 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out San Bernardino's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $98,247 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($158,549) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of nuclear medicine technologist in San Bernardino, California can anticipate a starting salary around $111,117. Although this entry-level pay is well below the city’s median salary of $158,549, it serves as a foundation for significant growth early in one’s career. As technologists gain experience, salaries are likely to rise, with projections estimating that those in their first few years can expect to move towards the $136,504 mark (P25). With a healthy growth trajectory bolstered by a 4.96% annual increase anticipated over the next five years, San Bernardino presents a robust market for freshly minted nuclear medicine technologists, particularly as the sector increasingly seeks qualified personnel.
About the San Bernardino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in San Bernardino
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Bernardino
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in San Bernardino, CA typically start between $111,117 and $136,504 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $114,203 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $158,549 — 49.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in California of $38,000 represents just 34.20% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($111,117/year) in San Bernardino. 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 San Bernardino
- 1Research the San Bernardino market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $111,117 to $136,504, 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 San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is $114,203 ( 102.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $111,117, experienced hygienists can earn up to $225,320.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$76,688
2025 BLS Actual
$105,866
2026 Current Est.
$111,117
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in San Bernardino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,961 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,172 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,628 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in San Bernardino, CA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $76,688 in 2019 to $105,866 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $116,628. New graduates entering the San Bernardino job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Bernardino metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 San Bernardino
Employers in San Bernardino typically hiring entry-level nuclear medicine technologists include local hospital departments and outpatient PET imaging clinics, which are often on the lookout for candidates with either a JRCNMT-accredited degree or national certifications from entities like NMTCB or ARRT(N). Positions that require added qualifications such as CT cross-training can offer higher starting pays, notably in fast-growing areas like PET/CT and theranostics, which utilize radiopharmaceutical therapies such as Pluvicto and Lutathera. New grad nuclear medicine technologists in CA, especially those who actively pursue ongoing education and credentials, can experience realistic salary growth over their first three years that reflects this demand. In a market increasingly favoring PET/CT skills, technologists focusing on those areas may find themselves commanding a premium as the need for pure SPECT roles diminishes. Understanding this employment context can guide early-career professionals toward optimal learning and growth in their initial years.
More salary data for San Bernardino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in San Bernardino?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in San Bernardino?
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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.
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 San Bernardino. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Bernardino is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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