Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Peabody, MA: $86,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Peabody, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,852 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peabody's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,048 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,554) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as nuclear medicine technologists in Peabody, Massachusetts, starting salaries are projected to be around $86,852 in 2026, which provides a solid entry point into this rewarding healthcare profession. While this figure is below the median annual salary for metro Peabody, which is estimated at $115,554, it still reflects a promising initial earning potential for new graduates. Peabody's market is notably favorable for entry-level candidates, with the opportunity to progress in earnings from the entry-level range up to the 25th percentile salary of $100,778 within the first few years. As new technologists gain experience and possibly credentials, they can anticipate a steady growth trajectory, aligning with the city's demand for skilled professionals in nuclear medicine.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peabody
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 Peabody
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Peabody, MA typically start between $86,852 and $100,778 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,819 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,554 — 8.61% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 71.39% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($86,852/year) in Peabody. 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 Peabody
- 1Research the Peabody market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $86,852 to $100,778, 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 Peabody, 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 Peabody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peabody'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 Peabody is $71,819 ( 82.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,852, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,671.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,941
2025 BLS Actual
$82,748
2026 Current Est.
$86,852
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,941 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,287 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,443 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,160 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Peabody, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,941 in 2019 to $82,748 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $91,160. New graduates entering the Peabody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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 Peabody
Employers across Peabody typically hire newly graduated nuclear medicine technologists within hospital nuclear medicine departments, which often include opportunities for paid PET/CT cross-training—an advantageous step for those seeking to enhance their skills. Outpatient imaging chains are also in the market for pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers may require more seasoned candidates, emphasizing the need for initial experience. To boost starting pay in Massachusetts, candidates should focus on attaining an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program and obtaining vital national certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N). Given the increasing trend toward PET/CT and theranostics—areas anticipated to command higher salaries—new graduates can develop a targeted career strategy that focuses on these high-demand specialties. For those starting out, realistic salary growth expectations should take into account the evolving landscape of the field and the importance of ongoing professional development in driving career advancement in the first few years.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 Peabody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peabody 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