Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Shoreview, MN: $79,051 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,051 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,255 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,279) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the nuclear medicine field, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Shoreview, MN, is set at approximately $79,051 in 2026. This figure indicates a clear entry point below the city's projected median annual salary of $99,279, illustrating a noticeable gap to overcome as professionals advance in their careers. New graduates can generally expect to see gradual increases in pay; for instance, moving up from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile may reflect a salary closer to $83,742 within the first few years. Given the projected 4.96% annual growth rate, Shoreview represents a promising market for new grads considering a career in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Shoreview, MN typically start between $79,051 and $83,742 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,279 — 6.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 48.07% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($79,051/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $79,051 to $83,742, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $46,789 ( 59.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,051, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,840.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,557
2025 BLS Actual
$75,315
2026 Current Est.
$79,051
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,557 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,782 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,406 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,315 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,051 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,972 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,557 in 2019 to $75,315 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,972. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
Healthcare facilities in Shoreview, such as hospital nuclear medicine departments, are primary employers of new graduates, often providing paid training for PET/CT cross-certification. Outpatient imaging centers may also be looking for candidates who have obtained relevant credentialing like the NMTCB or ARRT(N) certifications. Pursuing further certifications in CT imaging can be beneficial, as these skills help new technologists secure higher starting pay in this competitive job market. Additionally, understanding the trending areas of PET/CT and theranostics, especially therapies such as Pluvicto and Lutathera, is crucial, as these specialties are rapidly growing and can lead to significantly higher salaries over the first three years of a career. Entry-level professionals can anticipate realistic salary growth as they build their expertise in this evolving field.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Shoreview in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Shoreview?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Shoreview?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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