Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in St. Paul, MN: $84,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the St. Paul, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,344 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out St. Paul's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,628 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,575) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in St. Paul, MN, can expect an entry-level salary amounting to around $84,344. This figure represents the 10th percentile of salaries in the area, showing a noticeable gap compared to the city's median salary of $111,575. Early-career professionals can realistically anticipate progress as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $94,587 within the first few years. Given the robust healthcare industry in St. Paul and the notable demand for nuclear medicine technologists, this city offers a promising starting point for new graduates pursuing their careers.
About the St. Paul Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in St. Paul
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 St. Paul
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in St. Paul, MN typically start between $84,344 and $94,587 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,149 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,575 — 4.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 45.05% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($84,344/year) in St. Paul. 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 St. Paul
- 1Research the St. Paul market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $84,344 to $94,587, 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 St. Paul, 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 St. Paul for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5St. Paul'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 St. Paul is $76,149 ( 90.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,344, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,493.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,210
2025 BLS Actual
$80,358
2026 Current Est.
$84,344
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,517 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,317 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,567 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,358 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,527 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in St. Paul, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,210 in 2019 to $80,358 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,527. New graduates entering the St. Paul job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Paul 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 St. Paul
As new professionals embark on their careers in St. Paul, understanding the local job market dynamics is vital. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in the area are eager to hire entry-level technologists, often providing structured training opportunities, particularly in PET/CT modalities. These employers typically prioritize candidates who hold credentials from accredited programs such as those recognized by JRCNMT and those certified by NMTCB or ARRT(N). Emphasizing continued education and additional certifications, such as CT cross-training or achieving state licensure, can significantly enhance starting salaries for new grad nuclear medicine technologists in MN. As the industry shifts focus towards PET/CT and theranostics—fields experiencing rapid growth—new professionals positioned with the latest training can benefit from better pay and job stability, paving the way for substantial income growth as they advance in their roles.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in St. Paul in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in St. Paul?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in St. Paul?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in St. Paul?
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 St. Paul. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for St. Paul 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