Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Boise, ID: $74,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Boise, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,378 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boise's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,104) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the nuclear medicine technologist field in Boise, Idaho, the starting position offers a competitive base salary, with entry-level roles anticipated to start at around $74,378 in 2026. This initial earning is considerably below the city median of $105,104, highlighting a gap that new technologists will need to bridge as they enhance their skills and experience. Based on a growth trajectory that escalates from this starting point to approximately $84,965 as they gain more experience, these early-career professionals can expect to see gradual improvement over their first three to five years in the field. With the local healthcare market actively expanding, Boise presents a favorable environment for fresh graduates seeking to embark on careers in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boise
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 Boise
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Boise, ID typically start between $74,378 and $84,965 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $69,038 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,104 — 1.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Idaho of $26,000 represents just 34.96% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($74,378/year) in Boise. 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 Boise
- 1Research the Boise market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $74,378 to $84,965, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Boise, 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 Boise for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boise'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 Boise is $69,038 ( 92.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,378, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,416.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,332
2025 BLS Actual
$70,863
2026 Current Est.
$74,378
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,332 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,953 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,895 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,863 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,067 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Boise, ID grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,332 in 2019 to $70,863 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,067. New graduates entering the Boise job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boise 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 Boise
In Boise, employers such as hospital nuclear medicine departments are primary recruiters of newly graduated technologists, often providing opportunities for paid PET/CT cross-training that can enhance marketability and starting pay. Outpatient PET imaging chains specifically seek pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostic centers typically look for candidates with several years of experience. To boost salary prospects, new grads are encouraged to pursue an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program and obtain credentials like NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, state licensure, and even CT cross-training. Focusing on growth areas such as PET/CT and theranostics, where technologies like Pluvicto and Lutathera are gaining traction, will be crucial as these segments offer competitive pay. New nuclear medicine technologists in their first three years can expect steady salary growth, as the evolving healthcare landscape rewards specialization and advanced training in these high-demand areas.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Boise in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Boise?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Boise?
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How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Idaho?
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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 Boise. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Boise 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