Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Kingston, NY: $99,522 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Kingston, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $99,522 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingston's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,869 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,587) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the projected starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Kingston, NY, estimated at $99,522 in 2026, new graduates can expect to earn slightly below the city’s median annual salary of $115,587. This gap represents the initial income range for those entering the field, leaving room for growth as they gain experience. There’s a positive growth trajectory that new entrants can anticipate, progressing from the lower percentile of entry-level pay ($99,522) to the first quartile ($104,594) and eventually reaching the median within a span of three to five years. Given the competitive landscape for healthcare jobs in Kingston, the market appears favorable for fresh graduates looking to start their careers in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Kingston Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingston
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 Kingston
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Kingston, NY typically start between $99,522 and $104,594 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,926 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,587 — 8.64% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in New York of $58,000 represents just 58.28% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($99,522/year) in Kingston. 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 Kingston
- 1Research the Kingston market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $99,522 to $104,594, 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 Kingston, 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 Kingston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kingston'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 Kingston is $46,926 ( 47.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $99,522, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,448.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$68,685
2025 BLS Actual
$94,819
2026 Current Est.
$99,522
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kingston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,685 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,228 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,546 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,157 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,102 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,522 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,458 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kingston, NY grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $68,685 in 2019 to $94,819 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $104,458. New graduates entering the Kingston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingston 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 Kingston
Several key employers in Kingston, including hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET imaging chains, actively recruit new graduates. Positions that include paid PET/CT cross-training are particularly attractive for candidates straight out of school, enhancing their skill set and employability. New entrants equipped with credentials from a JRCNMT-accredited program, NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, and state licensure will find themselves in a strong position. Advancing through early career development, especially in PET/CT and theranostics areas, can align them with the industry’s growth sectors, where roles related to radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera command higher pay. Those focusing on initial career strategies can expect to see gradual salary increases as they transition from entry-level roles towards more advanced practice, allowing for realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years.
More salary data for Kingston, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Kingston in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Kingston?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Kingston?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Kingston?
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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 Kingston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingston 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