Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $98,981 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $98,981 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,968 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($137,595) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Radiating opportunity, Honolulu is a favorable market for new graduates considering a career as a nuclear medicine technologist. In 2026, entry-level salaries are projected to start at approximately $98,981, which is notably below the city median of $137,595. While this might seem like a considerable gap, recent graduates can expect significant growth in their earnings as they gain experience—moving from the entry-level starting pay up to around $112,366 within a few years. This upward trajectory represents an appealing prospect for new entrants looking for stability and growth in their professional journey. Given the Hawaiian job market’s strong demand for medical professionals, coupled with a projected annual growth rate of 4.96% over the next five years, pursuing this career in Honolulu looks promising for emerging technologists.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Honolulu
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 Honolulu
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Honolulu, HI typically start between $98,981 and $112,366 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $85,996 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $137,595 — 29.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Hawaii of $42,000 represents just 42.43% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($98,981/year) in Honolulu. 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 Honolulu
- 1Research the Honolulu market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $98,981 to $112,366, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Honolulu, 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 Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Honolulu's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) 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 Honolulu is $85,996 ( 86.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $98,981, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,977.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,312
2025 BLS Actual
$94,304
2026 Current Est.
$98,981
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,846 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,131 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,992 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,304 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,981 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,891 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Honolulu, HI grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,312 in 2019 to $94,304 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $103,891. New graduates entering the Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 Honolulu
Employers in Honolulu that typically hire new graduate nuclear medicine technologists include hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET imaging centers. Hospitals often provide structured training programs, including paid cross-training in PET/CT, which enhances a new graduate's employability. Those looking to enter theranostics centers may require more experience, often needing 3-5 years in PET/CT roles. To maximize starting pay in HI, recent graduates should consider obtaining credentials from accredited programs like JRCNMT, as well as national certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N), along with a state license. Furthermore, cross-training in CT can significantly elevate earning potential. During the first three years, technologists focusing on growing sectors such as PET/CT and radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera may observe salary increases aligning with industry trends. Skilled technologists moving into these dynamic areas can expect their salaries to reflect their enhanced qualifications and the evolving market demand.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Honolulu in 2026?
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Honolulu?
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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 Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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