Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Caldwell, ID: $74,968 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Caldwell, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,968 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caldwell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,665 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,194) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caldwell, Idaho, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology can expect a starting salary near $74,968, which is significantly lower than the median salary for all nuclear medicine technologists in the city, projected to be $102,194 in 2026. While this entry-level compensation represents a gap from the overall median, it is not uncommon in the sector. As early-career professionals gain experience, salaries can realistically rise, making the transition to the 25th percentile at approximately $89,981 in just a few years quite feasible. For those graduating in 2026, Caldwell presents a relatively encouraging job market, especially given the expected growth rate of 4.96% annually over the next five years.
About the Caldwell Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Caldwell
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 Caldwell
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Caldwell, ID typically start between $74,968 and $89,981 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,824 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,194 — 3.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Idaho of $26,000 represents just 34.68% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($74,968/year) in Caldwell. 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 Caldwell
- 1Research the Caldwell market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $74,968 to $89,981, 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 Caldwell, 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 Caldwell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Caldwell'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 Caldwell is $56,824 ( 75.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,968, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,792.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,739
2025 BLS Actual
$71,425
2026 Current Est.
$74,968
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Caldwell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,901 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,389 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,393 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,736 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,425 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,968 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,686 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Caldwell, ID grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,739 in 2019 to $71,425 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,686. New graduates entering the Caldwell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caldwell 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 Caldwell
Local healthcare facilities, particularly hospital nuclear medicine departments, are among the primary employers willing to onboard new graduates. These institutions often provide paid training opportunities for PET/CT cross-training, which has become crucial in expanding roles within the industry. Outpatient PET imaging chains may also recruit newly credentialed technicians equipped with NMTCB or ARRT(N) certifications. Meanwhile, advancing educational credentials such as a JRCNMT-accredited associate's or bachelor's degree, alongside CT cross-training, can lead to higher starting wages. New professionals should prioritize gaining experience in PET/CT and theranostics, particularly with the growing demand for radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera, as these areas offer a chance for premium pay and career advancement. Realistically, salary growth during the first three years can vary based on specialization and employer but presents promising opportunities for motivated individuals entering the field.
More salary data for Caldwell, ID:
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 Caldwell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caldwell 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