Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $78,913 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,913 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,805 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,596) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking a position as a nuclear medicine technologist in Idaho Falls, the anticipated starting nuclear medicine technologist salary Idaho Falls will begin at approximately $78,913 in 2026. While this initial pay is below the city’s median annual salary of $102,596, it presents a realistic expectation for those just entering the field. Over the first few years, new technologists can see increased earnings, with potential progression to $86,917 within a few years, and the opportunity to reach the median as they gain experience and skills. The nuclear medicine job market in Idaho Falls currently shows promise for these entry-level professionals, especially considering a growth trajectory of 4.96% annually could lead to robust job opportunities in the coming years.
About the Idaho Falls Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $78,913 and $86,917 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,961 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,596 — 3.57% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Idaho of $26,000 represents just 32.95% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($78,913/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $78,913 to $86,917, 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 Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls'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 Idaho Falls is $57,961 ( 73.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,913, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,874.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,462
2025 BLS Actual
$75,184
2026 Current Est.
$78,913
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Idaho Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,685 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,304 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,281 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,913 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,827 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,462 in 2019 to $75,184 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,827. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
In Idaho Falls, several types of employers actively seek new graduates in nuclear medicine technology. Local hospital nuclear medicine departments offer valuable positions often followed by structured PET/CT cross-training, making them an excellent opportunity for recent graduates. Outpatient PET imaging centers favor pre-credentialed technologists but can also provide a pathway for those who invest in additional education. Obtaining certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N) and pursuing cross-training in CT, such as NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT, significantly enhances starting pay. In the first three years, individuals who align themselves with thriving sectors, particularly those specializing in PET/CT and theranostics, will likely experience favorable salary growth and opportunities, while those in SPECT-only roles might find a more challenging path. With careful planning and an emphasis on continued education and specialization, new technologists in Idaho Falls can set themselves up for successful careers in a rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Idaho Falls 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