Nuclear Med Tech Salary

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 99.60% 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.

$80,477
Starting Salary
$38.69/hr
Starting Hourly
$80,477
Entry Level
$97,219
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Entry Level Salary in South Portland, ME — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
South Portland, ME nuclear medicine technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$80,477/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$84,270/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$97,219/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$112,093/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland. The median salary is $97,219, compared to the national median of $106,398.$72.4K$87.6K$102.8K$118.0K$133.2K$80.5K10th Pctl$84.3K25th Pctl$97.2KMedian$112.1K75th Pctl$126.8K90th PctlUS Median$106.4K

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 $97,2198.63% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nuclear medicine technologist pay in the South Portland metro area.

Return on Investment

$38,000
Avg ME Program Cost
$80,477
Starting Salary
47.22%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland. Baseline $55,542 in 2025, projected to $84,469 by 2027.$49.8K$59.9K$70.0K$80.1K$90.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$55.5K$56.8K$59.5K$63.5K$68.1K$74.1K$76.7K$80.5K$84.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$55,542Actual
2020$56,789Actual
2021$59,460Actual
2022$63,515Actual
2023$68,052Actual
2024$74,052Actual
2025$76,674Actual
2026(current)$80,477Estimated
2027$84,469Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland in 2026?

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland start at approximately $80,477/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.96% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $38.69/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in South Portland?

Most nuclear medicine technologists in South Portland progress from the entry-level salary of $80,477 to the area median of $97,219 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $126,836 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nuclear medicine school worth it in South Portland?

With a starting salary of $80,477/year in South Portland and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nuclear medicine technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in South Portland?

New nuclear medicine graduates in South Portland typically start near the 10th percentile at $80,477/year, or approximately $38.69/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Maine?

To become a licensed nuclear medicine technologist in Maine, you typically need an associate degree or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Maine, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nuclear medicine technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Maine

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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