Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Blaine, MN: $79,708 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Blaine, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,708 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Blaine's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,922 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,766) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Blaine, the anticipated entry-level nuclear medicine technologist salary for 2026 is projected at $79,708. This figure represents the starting point for new graduates who can expect gradual salary growth as they garner experience, eventually reaching the city median of $101,766. Within 3-5 years, entry-level professionals could find themselves earning closer to the 25th percentile mark of $87,289, bringing them nearer to the median earnings. Given the anticipated annual growth rate of 4.96%, Blaine remains an attractive market for aspiring nuclear medicine technologists as they embark on their careers, offering opportunities for advancement and competitive pay relative to national standards.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Blaine
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 Blaine
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Blaine, MN typically start between $79,708 and $87,289 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,137 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,766 — 4.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 47.67% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($79,708/year) in Blaine. 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 Blaine
- 1Research the Blaine market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $79,708 to $87,289, 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 Blaine, 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 Blaine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Blaine'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 Blaine is $54,137 ( 67.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,708, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,845.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,011
2025 BLS Actual
$75,941
2026 Current Est.
$79,708
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,011 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,246 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,891 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,908 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,708 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,661 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Blaine, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,011 in 2019 to $75,941 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,661. New graduates entering the Blaine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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 Blaine
In Blaine, the job market for new graduate nuclear medicine technologists is primarily dominated by hospitals, which tend to hire those who have completed paid PET/CT cross-training. Outpatient PET imaging centers actively look for pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers typically necessitate 3-5 years of prior experience for roles involving advanced therapies. New grads will benefit from obtaining credentials from an accredited program through JRCNMT and national certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N), which are essential for better starting pay in Minnesota. Moreover, candidates who pursue CT cross-training or radiation safety training position themselves favorably in a market increasingly focused on PET/CT and theranostics, which are the fastest-growing segments in the field. First-year salaries could vary significantly based on credentials and experience, showing a clear pathway for salary growth as professionals advance their skills and embrace the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Blaine in 2026?
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Blaine?
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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 Blaine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Blaine 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