Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Chicopee, MA: $85,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Chicopee, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chicopee's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,537 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($114,859) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technologist in Chicopee, Massachusetts, an entry-level position offers a starting salary of approximately $85,213. This figure represents the entry-level mark within the industry, placing it below the local median annual salary of $114,859. Early-career professionals can anticipate a steady growth trajectory, moving towards the first quartile at $94,957 and eventually aiming for the city median within three to five years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.96% in the industry and a balanced job market, Chicopee remains a favorable location for new graduates seeking opportunities in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Chicopee Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chicopee
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 Chicopee
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Chicopee, MA typically start between $85,213 and $94,957 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,402 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $114,859 — 7.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 72.76% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($85,213/year) in Chicopee. 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 Chicopee
- 1Research the Chicopee market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $85,213 to $94,957, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chicopee, 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 Chicopee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chicopee'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 Chicopee is $71,402 ( 83.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,615.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,810
2025 BLS Actual
$81,186
2026 Current Est.
$85,213
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,130 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,959 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,057 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,439 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Chicopee, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,810 in 2019 to $81,186 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,439. New graduates entering the Chicopee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicopee 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 Chicopee
In Chicopee, potential employers for newly minted nuclear medicine technologists include local hospital nuclear medicine departments, often providing paid cross-training in PET/CT that significantly enhances a new grad's marketability. Outpatient PET imaging facilities favor pre-credentialed PET techs due to the increasing demand for these specialists, particularly those familiar with theranostics, which is becoming a crucial segment in the industry. To enhance starting pay and career prospects, obtaining credentials such as an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, along with NMTCB or ARRT(N) national certification, is often essential. Additionally, cross-training in CT can provide a competitive advantage. Given the landscape of nuclear medicine, first-year technologists in Chicopee may realistically see salary increases as they gain experience, particularly if they focus on the growing PET/CT and theranostics sectors, which command higher wages compared to traditional SPECT-only roles.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Chicopee in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Chicopee?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Chicopee?
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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 Chicopee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chicopee 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