Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Dundalk, MD: $87,043 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Dundalk, MD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $87,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dundalk's local price level (BEA RPP 109.39% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,637 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,325) within a few years of clinical practice.

$87,043
Starting Salary
$41.85/hr
Starting Hourly
$87,043
Entry Level
$112,325
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates entering the nuclear medicine technologist field in Dundalk can expect to start their careers with a salary around $87,043. This figure represents a significant starting point but also highlights a gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $112,325. For early-career professionals, there is a tangible growth trajectory, as entry-level technologists often see their pay rise to approximately $95,645 within just a few years through performance and experience. This favorable growth makes Dundalk an attractive market for new graduates, especially given the city’s projected annual salary growth rate of 4.96%. Those looking to begin their careers in this field have a solid opportunity to build a financially rewarding path.

About the Dundalk Market

Salary estimated from Maryland average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Dundalk

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$87,043/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$95,645/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$112,325/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$131,249/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in Dundalk. The median salary is $112,325, compared to the national median of $106,398.$78.3K$97.2K$116.1K$135.0K$153.9K$87.0K10th Pctl$95.6K25th Pctl$112.3KMedian$131.2K75th Pctl$146.6K90th PctlUS Median$106.4K

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dundalk, MD typically start between $87,043 and $95,645 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,521 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,3255.57% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$42,000
Avg MD Program Cost
$87,043
Starting Salary
48.25%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nuclear medicine program cost in Maryland of $42,000 represents just 48.25% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($87,043/year) in Dundalk. 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 Dundalk

  • 1Research the Dundalk market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $87,043 to $95,645, 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 MD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dundalk, 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 Dundalk for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Dundalk'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 Dundalk is $59,521 ( 68.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $87,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,564.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$60,073

2025 BLS Actual

$82,930

2026 Current Est.

$87,043

2019–2027 Growth

+52.1%

Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dundalk (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 Dundalk. Baseline $60,073 in 2025, projected to $91,361 by 2027.$53.8K$64.8K$75.7K$86.7K$97.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$60.1K$61.4K$64.3K$68.7K$73.6K$84.4K$82.9K$87.0K$91.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$60,073Actual
2020$61,422Actual
2021$64,311Actual
2022$68,698Actual
2023$73,605Actual
2024$84,378Actual
2025$82,930Actual
2026(current)$87,043Estimated
2027$91,361Projected

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dundalk, MD grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,073 in 2019 to $82,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,361. New graduates entering the Dundalk job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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 Dundalk

Employers in the Dundalk area primarily looking for new nuclear medicine technologists include local hospital departments that typically provide paid training in advanced modalities like PET/CT. Outpatient PET imaging facilities are known to recruit pre-credentialed individuals to capitalize on their skills quickly. Those venturing into theranostics centers, however, will often find that they require some prior experience, generally seeking candidates with 3 to 5 years in the field. New graduates can enhance their starting pay by obtaining credentials from JRCNMT-accredited programs, becoming certified through the NMTCB or ARRT(N), and possibly pursuing additional certifications like NMTCB-CT. As the market shifts toward PET/CT and theranostics—especially with the rise of radiopharmaceutical therapies—there is significant potential for salary increases in the early years of employment. While roles focused solely on SPECT are dwindling, graduates can strategically align their careers with the evolving needs of the industry, leading to realistic salary advancements as they gain valuable experience over the first three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dundalk start at approximately $87,043/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 $41.85/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 Dundalk?

Most nuclear medicine technologists in Dundalk progress from the entry-level salary of $87,043 to the area median of $112,325 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $146,564 (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 Dundalk?

With a starting salary of $87,043/year in Dundalk 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 Dundalk?

New nuclear medicine graduates in Dundalk typically start near the 10th percentile at $87,043/year, or approximately $41.85/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 Maryland?

To become a licensed nuclear medicine technologist in Maryland, 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland

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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 Dundalk. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Dundalk 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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