Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in South Portland, ME: $80,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the South Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,477 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,800 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,219) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

A starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in South Portland, ME, is projected to be around $80,477 in 2026. Fresh graduates can expect this entry-level pay, which is almost $16,000 lower than the overall median salary for technologists in the city, recorded at $97,219. The growth path appears promising, with potential increases leading to salaries around $84,270 as they reach the 25th percentile. In the first three to five years of their careers, technologists can anticipate a gradual ascent toward the median, benefiting from experience, additional training, and exposure to advanced procedures. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.96%, South Portland shows favorable opportunities for new entrants to the field, positioning it as a viable market for recent graduates looking to begin their careers in nuclear medicine.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Portland
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 South Portland
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland, ME typically start between $80,477 and $84,270 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,359 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,219 — 8.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Maine of $38,000 represents just 47.22% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($80,477/year) in South Portland. 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 South Portland
- 1Research the South Portland market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $80,477 to $84,270, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Portland, 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 South Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Portland'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 South Portland is $46,359 ( 57.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,477, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,836.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,542
2025 BLS Actual
$76,674
2026 Current Est.
$80,477
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,542 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,789 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,674 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,469 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Portland, ME grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,542 in 2019 to $76,674 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,469. New graduates entering the South Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland 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 South Portland
Job openings for entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland primarily stem from local hospital nuclear medicine departments, which often hire recent graduates and provide paid PET/CT cross-training. Outpatient imaging centers frequently recruit new grads who have completed pre-credentialed PET technology programs. However, for prospective candidates eyeing theranostics centers, a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in PET/CT is typically necessary. Aspiring technologists that come from JRCNMT-accredited programs and hold certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N) will find themselves at a distinct advantage, especially if they obtain state licenses or pursue CT cross-training. The landscape for nuclear medicine is evolving, with PET/CT and theranostics emerging as the most dynamic segments in the field, offering potential for higher salaries. Over the first three years, those who strategically enhance their qualifications and gain experience in these areas can realistically expect to see their pay scale improve, expanding from entry-level salaries into more lucrative roles.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland in 2026?
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in South Portland?
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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 South Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Portland 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