Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Cicero, IL: $77,826 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Cicero, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,826 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cicero's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,001) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, starting salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in Cicero, Illinois, present exciting opportunities for new graduates. With an entry-level range beginning at $77,826, recent graduates can anticipate a salary trajectory as they gain experience and skills in the field. This initial compensation is notably lower than the city median of $100,001, highlighting a gap that reflects the elevated expectations for seasoned professionals in nuclear medicine. Over the first three to five years in the role, early-career technologists have the potential to increase their salaries as they progress toward the $85,400 mark and eventually to the median, indicating a promising growth path in this sector within the Cicero market.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cicero
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 Cicero
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Cicero, IL typically start between $77,826 and $85,400 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,073 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,001 — 6.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Illinois of $36,000 represents just 46.26% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($77,826/year) in Cicero. 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 Cicero
- 1Research the Cicero market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $77,826 to $85,400, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cicero, 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 Cicero for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cicero'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 Cicero is $53,073 ( 68.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,826, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,899.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,712
2025 BLS Actual
$74,148
2026 Current Est.
$77,826
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,712 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,918 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,501 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,001 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,826 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,686 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cicero, IL grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,712 in 2019 to $74,148 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,686. New graduates entering the Cicero job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero 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 Cicero
Employers in Cicero that frequently hire newly graduated nuclear medicine technologists include local hospitals with nuclear medicine departments, as well as outpatient PET imaging centers that often seek pre-credentialed PET techs. Pursuing credentials from the NMTCB or ARRT(N) enhances starting pay for new graduates, particularly if they graduate from JRCNMT-accredited programs. Additionally, expanding one’s qualifications through CT cross-training (NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT) can significantly improve job prospects, especially in emerging fields like theranostics, where the demand and available positions are rapidly increasing. For first-time job seekers, a strategic focus on PET/CT roles and continued education can unlock more competitive salaries. Given the industry's projected growth, new technologists can realistically expect salary-enhancement opportunities within the first few years, positioning Cicero as a viable market for entry-level practitioners.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Cicero in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Cicero?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Cicero?
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How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Illinois?
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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 Cicero. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero 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