Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Lawrence, MA: $88,943 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Lawrence, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,943 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,975 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,582) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Embarking on a career as a nuclear medicine technologist in Lawrence, Massachusetts, offers a competitive entry-level salary landscape. New graduates can anticipate an annual starting nuclear medicine technologist salary Lawrence of $88,943, which is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $112,582. However, with experience, many can progress to the 25th percentile salary of $97,138 within their first few years and eventually reach the median as they build expertise. Given the projected growth rate of 4.96% annually for the profession, Lawrence is currently a favorable market for new grads, providing opportunities for advancement in a field that is increasingly in demand.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Lawrence, MA typically start between $88,943 and $97,138 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,082 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,582 — 5.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 69.71% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($88,943/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $88,943 to $97,138, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $60,082 ( 67.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,943, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,025.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,384
2025 BLS Actual
$84,740
2026 Current Est.
$88,943
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,384 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,763 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,197 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,211 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,943 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,355 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,384 in 2019 to $84,740 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $93,355. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In this dynamic job market, various healthcare facilities are on the lookout for new grad nuclear medicine technologist pay MA to remain competitive. Hospitals frequently hire entry-level professionals in their nuclear medicine departments, often providing essential paid training for advanced practices like PET/CT. Outpatient imaging centers are also alternative career paths, typically favoring candidates who are pre-credentialed in PET imaging. To enhance earning potential, pursuing credentials such as an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, along with NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification and state licensure, is highly beneficial. Moreover, cross-training in CT can increase marketability, particularly for roles involved in theranostics, which are thriving segments in the field. As SPECT-only positions face saturation, the focus on PET/CT and theranostics for new entrants offers a realistic pathway to salary growth during their crucial first three years in the profession.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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