Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Richfield, MN: $83,109 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,109 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,375 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,946) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richfield, Minnesota, those entering the field of nuclear medicine as technologists can anticipate starting salaries around $83,109 in 2026. While this figure might seem modest compared to the city median salary of $100,946, it's essential for new graduates to recognize the upward trajectory possible in their early careers. For instance, early-career professionals can increase their earnings to approximately $89,410 within a few years, potentially reaching the median within three to five years as they gain invaluable experience. Richfield appears to offer a supportive environment for recent graduates, thanks to a combination of accessible entry-level positions and a promising growth rate of 4.96% annually, indicating a vibrant job market for nuclear medicine technologists.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Richfield, MN typically start between $83,109 and $89,410 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,056 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,946 — 5.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 45.72% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($83,109/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $83,109 to $89,410, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $48,056 ( 57.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,109, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,165.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,358
2025 BLS Actual
$79,182
2026 Current Est.
$83,109
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,358 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,278 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,109 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,232 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,358 in 2019 to $79,182 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,232. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
Opportunities for recent graduates in this field can primarily be found within local hospital nuclear medicine departments, where employers often provide paid PET/CT cross-training for newcomers. Outpatient PET imaging chains are also on the lookout for pre-credentialed PET technologists. Those aiming to enhance their earning potential should consider relevant credentials, including graduation from JRCNMT-accredited programs, obtaining NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, and possibly delving into CT cross-training. The rapid expansion of theranostics, with therapeutic applications such as Pluvicto and Lutathera, introduces avenues for premium pay as these techniques gain traction in the healthcare landscape. Newcomers can expect realistic salary growth as they navigate their first three years, driven by the demand in advanced PET/CT roles, while positions focused solely on SPECT may see compressing opportunities.
More salary data for Richfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Richfield in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Richfield?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Richfield?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Richfield?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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