Nuclear Med Tech Salary

Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Fitchburg, MA: $89,289 (2026)

Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Fitchburg, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $89,289 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fitchburg's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,854) within a few years of clinical practice.

$89,289
Starting Salary
$42.93/hr
Starting Hourly
$89,289
Entry Level
$113,854
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, can expect a starting nuclear medicine technologist salary of approximately $89,289. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions and contrasts with the city’s median salary of $113,854 for experienced professionals, indicating a significant gap for emerging technologists. Nonetheless, there is a promising growth trajectory as new graduates can realistically advance through various pay tiers, with salaries expected to rise to around $97,202 within a few years, potentially reaching the median with experience and skill development. Given Fitchburg's projected salary landscape and a 4.96% annual growth rate, this city presents an encouraging market for new grads embarking on their careers in nuclear medicine.

About the Fitchburg Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Fitchburg

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$89,289/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$97,202/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$113,854/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$130,002/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fitchburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in Fitchburg. The median salary is $113,854, compared to the national median of $106,398.$80.4K$98.6K$116.8K$135.0K$153.2K$89.3K10th Pctl$97.2K25th Pctl$113.9KMedian$130.0K75th Pctl$145.9K90th PctlUS Median$106.4K

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Fitchburg, MA typically start between $89,289 and $97,202 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,598 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,8547.01% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$62,000
Avg MA Program Cost
$89,289
Starting Salary
69.44%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 69.44% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($89,289/year) in Fitchburg. 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 Fitchburg

  • 1Research the Fitchburg market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $89,289 to $97,202, 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 Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg is $56,598 ( 63.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $89,289, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,887.

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

2019 BLS Actual

$61,623

2025 BLS Actual

$85,070

2026 Current Est.

$89,289

2019–2027 Growth

+52.1%

Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Fitchburg (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 Fitchburg. Baseline $61,623 in 2025, projected to $93,718 by 2027.$54.3K$67.1K$80.0K$92.9K$105.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$61.6K$63.0K$66.0K$70.5K$75.5K$98.5K$85.1K$89.3K$93.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$61,623Actual
2020$63,007Actual
2021$65,971Actual
2022$70,470Actual
2023$75,504Actual
2024$98,456Actual
2025$85,070Actual
2026(current)$89,289Estimated
2027$93,718Projected

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fitchburg, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,623 in 2019 to $85,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,718. New graduates entering the Fitchburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Fitchburg typically seek new graduates for roles in local hospital nuclear medicine departments, where they frequently provide paid training in PET/CT scanning, a highly sought-after area in the field. Outpatient PET imaging chains often host openings for pre-credentialed technologists, while specialized theranostics centers typically require established professionals with at least 3-5 years of PET/CT experience. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, new technologists should pursue an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, secure NMTCB or ARRT(N) national certification, and obtain state licensure. Gaining additional qualifications, particularly in CT cross-training, can further increase earning potential. In terms of career strategy, the first few years should focus on acquiring experience in PET/CT and familiarizing oneself with theranostics therapies, as these areas are among the fastest-growing and command premium salaries. Entry-level professionals can anticipate realistic salary growth over their initial years as they build experience and credentials, reinforcing their value in a dynamic job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Fitchburg start at approximately $89,289/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 $42.93/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 Fitchburg?

Most nuclear medicine technologists in Fitchburg progress from the entry-level salary of $89,289 to the area median of $113,854 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $145,887 (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 Fitchburg?

With a starting salary of $89,289/year in Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg?

New nuclear medicine graduates in Fitchburg typically start near the 10th percentile at $89,289/year, or approximately $42.93/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 Massachusetts?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Fitchburg 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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