Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Austin, MN: $75,696 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Austin, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,696 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austin's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,849 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,124) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a nuclear medicine technologist in Austin, MN, can be financially rewarding, especially as the projected median annual salary for 2026 is $99,124. For new graduates entering the field, however, realistic expectations must be set, as the entry-level salary (P10) is estimated at $75,696. This gap illustrates the potential for growth as one gains experience; individuals can expect to progress from the entry-level range through the 25th percentile ($83,429) and toward the median within the first few years of their career. The 4.96% annual growth rate in this sector indicates a healthy job market in the area, making Austin a viable option for new grads seeking opportunities in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austin
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 Austin
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Austin, MN typically start between $75,696 and $83,429 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,656 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,124 — 6.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 50.20% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($75,696/year) in Austin. 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 Austin
- 1Research the Austin market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $75,696 to $83,429, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austin, 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 Austin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austin'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 Austin is $49,656 ( 65.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,696, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,352.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,242
2025 BLS Actual
$72,119
2026 Current Est.
$75,696
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,242 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,927 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,009 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,977 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,119 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,696 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,451 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Austin, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,242 in 2019 to $72,119 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,451. New graduates entering the Austin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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 Austin
Career prospects for entry-level nuclear medicine technologists largely depend on the employers in Austin. Hospitals are significant recruiters and often offer paid cross-training in PET/CT, which can enhance starting salaries and boost marketability. Additionally, outpatient PET imaging facilities typically seek pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers tend to require experienced candidates, highlighting a pathway to ascend within the profession. Obtaining credentials from JRCNMT-accredited programs, national certification through NMTCB or ARRT(N), and undergoing state licensing processes can significantly raise starting salaries in Minnesota. As the industry shifts toward PET/CT and theranostics—rapidly growing segments known for premium pay—new graduates can anticipate gradual salary increases based on gaining experience and furthering their education in the first three years of their careers.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Austin in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Austin?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Austin?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Austin?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
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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 Austin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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