Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $70,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,559 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,333 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,000) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technologists can expect a starting salary of approximately $70,559 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly lower than the city's overall median of $87,000, illustrating a considerable gap for entry-level professionals. As new technologists gain experience, there is potential for salary advancement over the first few years. By progressing to the 25th percentile at $76,082, they can anticipate about a 7% increase as they build their skills and credentials. Given the promising growth trajectory in nuclear medicine, specifically in areas like PET/CT and theranostics, Hattiesburg presents a worthwhile market for new graduates preparing to launch their careers.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $70,559 and $76,082 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,689 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,000 — 18.23% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Mississippi of $20,000 represents just 28.35% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($70,559/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $70,559 to $76,082, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg's below-average 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 Hattiesburg is $40,689 ( 57.67%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,559, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,248.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,697
2025 BLS Actual
$67,225
2026 Current Est.
$70,559
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,697 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,688 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,666 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,225 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,059 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,697 in 2019 to $67,225 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,059. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
In Hattiesburg, key employers hiring entry-level nuclear medicine technologists include hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient imaging centers. Those who have undergone paid PET/CT cross-training are particularly favored in the hiring process, as these skills are in high demand. To enhance starting pay, new graduates should aim to obtain national certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N) and state licenses, while additional cross-training in CT can further elevate their credentials. Given that positions in PET/CT and theranostics (such as therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera) are expanding, new technologists may find opportunities with premium pay structures that outpace traditional SPECT roles. As they transition through the first three years, new graduates could expect incremental salary increases, aligning with the upward market trends driven by these growing areas, making Hattiesburg a strategic locale for entry-level professionals.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Hattiesburg in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Hattiesburg?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Hattiesburg?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Hattiesburg?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Mississippi?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hattiesburg 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