Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Nampa, ID: $77,976 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Nampa, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,976 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Nampa's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,822 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,308) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Nampa, Idaho, can expect an entry-level nuclear medicine technologist salary of around $77,976. This starting pay represents a notable gap from the overall median annual salary of $104,308 in the city, highlighting the growth potential in this career path. Early career professionals can anticipate a progressive increase in their earnings, moving through the P25 salary range of $87,060 within the first few years as they gain experience and enhance their skills. With an annual growth rate of 4.96%, Nampa is currently a favorable market for recent graduates, offering opportunities to climb the salary ladder and specialize in high-demand areas like PET/CT imaging and theranostics.
About the Nampa Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Nampa
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 Nampa
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Nampa, ID typically start between $77,976 and $87,060 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,995 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,308 — 1.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Idaho of $26,000 represents just 33.34% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($77,976/year) in Nampa. 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 Nampa
- 1Research the Nampa market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $77,976 to $87,060, 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 Nampa, 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 Nampa for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Nampa'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 Nampa is $58,995 ( 75.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,976, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,971.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,815
2025 BLS Actual
$74,291
2026 Current Est.
$77,976
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Nampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,541 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,225 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,976 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,843 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Nampa, ID grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,815 in 2019 to $74,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,843. New graduates entering the Nampa job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nampa 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 Nampa
In Nampa, primary employers hiring new nuclear medicine technologists include local hospitals' nuclear medicine departments, which often provide paid training opportunities, especially for PET/CT cross-training. Outpatient imaging chains are also looking for pre-credentialed PET techs, while theranostics centers may require more experience, typically seeking applicants with 3-5 years of specialized training. Graduates can enhance their starting pay by obtaining credentials from JRCNMT-accredited programs, passing the NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification exams, and pursuing state licensing which may be necessary for practice. Given the booming sectors of PET/CT and theranostics, it is crucial for early-career technologists to set strategies focused on continuous education and skill enhancement, as these areas command premium pay and offer vast potential for growth. In the first three years, technologists can realistically aim for substantial salary increases by aligning their expertise with the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Nampa, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Nampa in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Nampa?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Nampa?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Nampa?
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 Nampa. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Nampa 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