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 109.3 — 9% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Dundalk
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 $112,325 — 5.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,073 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,311 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,698 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,605 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,043 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,361 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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 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.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Dundalk?
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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 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).
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