Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Dodge City, KS: $73,049 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Dodge City, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,049 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dodge City's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,362 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,499) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Dodge City is projected to be around $73,049. New graduates should understand that while this figure is lower than the city median salary of $91,499, there’s a moderately clear pathway to growth within the field. As graduates gain experience, their salary can climb to approximately $79,071, illustrating an increase that can lead to a more competitive standing in the local job market. With an annual growth rate of 4.96%, those entering the field now can expect solid advancement in their first few years. Current market conditions in Dodge City appear reasonably favorable for newly licensed professionals, particularly as healthcare facilities look to fill essential roles in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Dodge City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dodge 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 Dodge City
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dodge City, KS typically start between $73,049 and $79,071 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,702 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,499 — 14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Kansas of $24,000 represents just 32.85% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($73,049/year) in Dodge 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 Dodge City
- 1Research the Dodge City market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $73,049 to $79,071, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dodge 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 Dodge City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dodge 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 Dodge City is $42,702 ( 58.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,049, experienced hygienists can earn up to $115,751.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,415
2025 BLS Actual
$69,597
2026 Current Est.
$73,049
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dodge City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,415 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,547 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,972 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,771 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,928 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,049 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,672 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dodge City, KS grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,415 in 2019 to $69,597 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,672. New graduates entering the Dodge City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dodge 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 Dodge City
In Dodge City, employers such as hospital nuclear medicine departments are the primary hiring entities for new grads, frequently providing paid PET/CT cross-training that enhances immediate employability. Outpatient PET imaging chains actively seek pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers typically require experience, making entry-level positions with robust training opportunities critical. To maximize starting pay in Kansas, credentials such as a degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, and state licensing are highly advantageous. New professionals should pivot towards the rapidly expanding PET/CT and theranostics markets, such as radiopharmaceutical therapies with premium pay potentials. Given the overall job structure, realistic salary growth some new technologists can expect in the first three years ranges significantly, but those who engage with advanced training and certification can place themselves in a better financial position as they embark on their careers.
More salary data for Dodge City, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Dodge City in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Dodge City?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Dodge City?
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How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Kansas?
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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 Dodge City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dodge 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