Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $69,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Mason City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,759 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mason City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,167 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,248) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Mason City, the projected starting nuclear medicine technologist salary is $69,759 in 2026. While this figure may initially seem lower compared to the median annual salary of $87,248 for the area, it provides a realistic entry point for those just beginning their careers. With dedication and experience, new technologists can expect to see their pay grow steadily through the first few years. Moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, salaries rise to $75,474, illustrating a clear upward trajectory that most early-career professionals can anticipate. Given the growth rate of 4.96%, Mason City offers a viable market for new graduates, particularly in light of the increasing demand for skilled nuclear medicine technologists.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mason City
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 Mason City
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Mason City, IA typically start between $69,759 and $75,474 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,737 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,248 — 18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Iowa of $26,000 represents just 37.27% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($69,759/year) in Mason City. 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 Mason City
- 1Research the Mason City market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $69,759 to $75,474, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mason City, 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 Mason City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mason City's below-average 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 Mason City is $40,737 ( 58.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,759, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,496.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,144
2025 BLS Actual
$66,462
2026 Current Est.
$69,759
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,988 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,219 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Mason City, IA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,144 in 2019 to $66,462 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $73,219. New graduates entering the Mason City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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 Mason City
Upon securing a position, entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Mason City often find employment opportunities with local hospitals and outpatient imaging centers. Many hospitals prefer candidates with certifications from JRCNMT-accredited programs and often provide paid PET/CT cross-training, which is highly beneficial for newcomers. Outpatient facilities may recruit pre-credentialed PET technicians, while specialized theranostics centers typically seek candidates with 3-5 years of experience in PET/CT settings. Credentials such as NMTCB or ARRT(N) national certification, along with state licensing and CT cross-training, significantly enhance starting pay in Iowa. In the first few years, graduates should target roles within the fastest-growing sectors of the field, particularly those related to PET/CT and novel therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera. These opportunities can command premium wages and contribute to realistic salary growth as they gain experience, providing an exciting and lucrative career path in nuclear medicine technology.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Mason City in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Mason City?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Mason City?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Mason City?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Iowa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Mason City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mason City 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