Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Jamestown, NY: $91,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Jamestown, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,008 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jamestown's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,523 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,879) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aspiring to build a career as a nuclear medicine technologist in Jamestown, the entry-level salary offers a promising outlook. With a starting annual pay around $91,008, those just entering the field can expect to earn significantly less than the median salary of $119,879 for the area. However, this entry-level position allows for acceleration in earnings, leading to a potential increase in salary as early as three to five years into the profession. The trajectory from the initial pay of new grads through the $107,522 mark and potentially reaching the median highlights a healthy growth environment for nuclear medicine technologists in Jamestown. Overall, the job market in the area appears supportive of newcomers, making it a viable option for new graduates seeking to enter the workforce.
About the Jamestown Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jamestown
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 Jamestown
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Jamestown, NY typically start between $91,008 and $107,522 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,138 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,879 — 12.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in New York of $58,000 represents just 63.73% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($91,008/year) in Jamestown. 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 Jamestown
- 1Research the Jamestown market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $91,008 to $107,522, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jamestown, 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 Jamestown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Jamestown's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Compensation Range
The nuclear medicine technologist wage spread in Jamestown is $59,138 ( 64.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,008, experienced hygienists can earn up to $150,146.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,809
2025 BLS Actual
$86,707
2026 Current Est.
$91,008
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Jamestown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,826 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,465 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,522 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Jamestown, NY grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,809 in 2019 to $86,707 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $95,522. New graduates entering the Jamestown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jamestown 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 Jamestown
To enhance earning potential right out of school, new graduates should consider pathways that lead to higher salaries in Jamestown's competitive landscape. Employers such as hospital nuclear medicine departments play a vital role in hiring fresh talent, often providing paid training in PET/CT. Outpatient imaging chains may actively recruit pre-credentialed PET technicians. Obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like NMTCB or ARRT(N), along with gaining a state license and skills in CT cross-training, can significantly increase starting pay in New York. Moreover, with sectors like theranostics, particularly significant due to emerging therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera, new technologists could find themselves on a strong growth trajectory. Opportunities to grow salary could be realistic, particularly for those willing to cross-train and adapt to the latest technology trends within the first few years of their career.
More salary data for Jamestown, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Jamestown in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Jamestown?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Jamestown?
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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 Jamestown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jamestown 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