Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Collinsville, IL: $77,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Collinsville, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Collinsville's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,112 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,026) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Collinsville, Illinois can expect a promising starting nuclear medicine technologist salary Collinsville of approximately $77,789 in 2026. This figure serves as an entry point for new professionals, creating a noticeable gap between first-job earnings and the city’s median annual salary of $101,026. While this initial pay might seem below the median, new technologists can anticipate steady annual growth, as they progress to the 25th percentile salary of around $85,187 within a few years. The Collinsville job market currently shows potential for growth, making it a reasonable choice for those newly entering the profession, especially when considering the region's demand for skilled healthcare providers.
About the Collinsville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Collinsville
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 Collinsville
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Collinsville, IL typically start between $77,789 and $85,187 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,218 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,026 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Illinois of $36,000 represents just 46.28% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($77,789/year) in Collinsville. 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 Collinsville
- 1Research the Collinsville market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $77,789 to $85,187, 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 Collinsville, 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 Collinsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Collinsville'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 Collinsville is $50,218 ( 64.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,007.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,686
2025 BLS Actual
$74,113
2026 Current Est.
$77,789
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Collinsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,686 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,892 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,474 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,394 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,647 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Collinsville, IL grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,686 in 2019 to $74,113 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,647. New graduates entering the Collinsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville 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 Collinsville
For those aiming to secure early career positions, understanding the local hiring landscape is essential. Hospitals in Collinsville, particularly those with nuclear medicine departments, typically employ new grads and often provide necessary paid cross-training in PET/CT. In contrast, outpatient imaging centers prefer candidates already credentialed as PET techs, while theranostic facilities may seek individuals with several years of experience in PET/CT. Credentials from accredited programs, such as those recognized by JRCNMT, are crucial for enhancing starting pay in Illinois. Additionally, pursuing national certification through NMTCB or ARRT(N) and obtaining a state license can solidify one’s position in the job market. In the first one to three years, technologists should focus on gaining expertise in the rapidly expanding fields of PET/CT and theranostics, as these areas are expected to command higher salaries and job stability compared to traditional SPECT roles.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
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 Collinsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collinsville 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