Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Fridley, MN: $79,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Fridley, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,343 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fridley's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,551 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,400) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Fridley, MN can be a promising venture for new graduates. For a starting position, new grad nuclear medicine technologists can expect salaries around $79,343, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $99,400. However, with experience and skill development, new professionals can anticipate a growth trajectory that may lead them to an annual salary of approximately $86,199 within the early years. This industry offers a 4.96% annual growth rate, indicating a positive employment landscape for individuals entering the workforce between now and the next few years, making Fridley a favorable market for aspiring technologists.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fridley
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 Fridley
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Fridley, MN typically start between $79,343 and $86,199 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,399 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,400 — 6.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 47.89% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($79,343/year) in Fridley. 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 Fridley
- 1Research the Fridley market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $79,343 to $86,199, 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 Fridley, 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 Fridley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fridley'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 Fridley is $50,399 ( 63.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,343, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,742.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,759
2025 BLS Actual
$75,594
2026 Current Est.
$79,343
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,759 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,621 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,408 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,594 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,279 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fridley, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,759 in 2019 to $75,594 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $83,279. New graduates entering the Fridley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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 Fridley
Employers in Fridley who are likely to hire new graduate nuclear medicine technologists include hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET imaging chains. Many institutions provide paid PET/CT cross-training, essential for enhanced employability. It is crucial for newcomers to acquire credentials from an accredited JRCNMT program, obtain national certification from the NMTCB or ARRT(N), and attain necessary state licensing. Additionally, pursuing CT cross-training can provide a competitive advantage in a field increasingly oriented towards PET/CT technologies and theranostics such as Pluvicto and Lutathera. Entry-level professionals should strategically focus on roles that align with these growing segments to maximize salary potential in Fridley, where realistic salary growth in the first few years can reach well into the mid-$80,000s, following the industry's trends and needs.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
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 Fridley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fridley 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