Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in New Bedford, MA: $92,342 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the New Bedford, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $92,342 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out New Bedford's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,108 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,302) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, new graduates entering the field as nuclear medicine technologists can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $92,342 in 2026. This amount represents the 10th percentile, indicating that while entry-level pay may seem lower than the median annual salary of $116,302 for the city, there is significant potential for growth over the first few years of one’s career. With the career trajectory showing an increase from the starting range up to the 25th percentile at $101,073, newly licensed technologists can expect to see salary improvements as they gain experience. Given the projected annual growth rate of 4.96% for the profession, New Bedford is a promising market for new graduates, particularly as healthcare demand grows and specialties such as PET/CT are increasingly in focus.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in New Bedford
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 New Bedford
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in New Bedford, MA typically start between $92,342 and $101,073 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,092 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,302 — 9.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 67.14% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($92,342/year) in New Bedford. 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 New Bedford
- 1Research the New Bedford market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $92,342 to $101,073, 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 New Bedford, 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 New Bedford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5New Bedford'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 New Bedford is $60,092 ( 65.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $92,342, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,434.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,730
2025 BLS Actual
$87,978
2026 Current Est.
$92,342
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,730 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,161 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,879 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,085 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,342 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,922 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in New Bedford, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,730 in 2019 to $87,978 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,922. New graduates entering the New Bedford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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 New Bedford
In this area, major employers such as local hospitals are actively recruiting recent graduates, especially those willing to engage in paid PET/CT cross-training. Outpatient imaging chains also look to bring in pre-credentialed PET technologists as they expand their services. However, positions in theranostics centers may require several years of experience before new graduates can qualify. To enhance their starting nuclear medicine technologist pay in MA, candidates should pursue degrees from JRCNMT-accredited programs alongside national certification from organizations like the NMTCB or ARRT(N). Furthermore, featuring CT cross-training on their resumes can significantly appeal to employers in light of the industry's shift toward PET/CT and theranostics—areas that command higher salaries than traditional SPECT roles. Throughout the first three years, as professionals establish themselves in this growing sector, realistic salary increases can be anticipated, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and obtaining relevant certifications.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in New Bedford in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in New Bedford?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in New Bedford?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in New Bedford?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 New Bedford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford 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