Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Denver, CO: $99,890 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Denver, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,890 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Denver's local price level (BEA RPP 105.8 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $94,430 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,968) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Denver, CO offers promising financial prospects for new graduates. With a starting salary around $99,890, entry-level nuclear medicine technologists may initially find themselves earning less than the city's median annual salary of $123,968. However, the salary growth trajectory is encouraging, as early-career professionals can anticipate an increase to approximately $111,111 within their first few years of work. This upward movement in pay, driven by a strong demand for skilled technologists, positions Denver as a favorable job market, making it an attractive destination for new graduates as they embark on their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Denver
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 Denver
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Denver, CO typically start between $99,890 and $111,111 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,647 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,968 — 16.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Colorado of $36,000 represents just 36.04% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($99,890/year) in Denver. 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 Denver
- 1Research the Denver market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $99,890 to $111,111, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Denver, 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 Denver for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Denver's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Compensation Range
The nuclear medicine technologist wage spread in Denver is $38,647 ( 38.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,890, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,537.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,140
2025 BLS Actual
$95,170
2026 Current Est.
$99,890
2019–2027 Growth
+53.9%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,890 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,845 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Denver, CO grew 39.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,140 in 2019 to $95,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,845. New graduates entering the Denver job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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 Denver
In Denver, various employers actively seek newly credentialed nuclear medicine technologists, particularly hospitals with nuclear medicine departments offering opportunities for paid PET/CT cross-training. Outpatient PET imaging chains also hire pre-credentialed PET techs, providing essential work experience. New graduates with credentials from a JRCNMT-accredited program and national certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N) will likely secure better starting pay. Additionally, pursuing CT cross-training and radiation safety training can further enhance salary potential. Over the first three years, technologists in the area who specialize in PET/CT and theranostics, which include innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera, can expect to command higher salaries, reflecting the evolving landscape of the profession in Denver.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Denver. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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