Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $73,931 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,931 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,360 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,164) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the nuclear medicine technologist field in Dickinson, North Dakota, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary is projected at around $73,931 in 2026. This figure contrasts noticeably with the city’s median annual salary for this profession, which sits at $96,164, highlighting a gap that new technologists can aim to bridge as they gain experience. Growth opportunities in the first few years are promising, with potential pay increases from the entry-level position expected to reach $81,078 by the 25th percentile and up to the median level, as technologists typically advance in their roles. Evaluating the current market conditions indicates that Dickinson represents a reasonable job environment for recent graduates, given the overall salary prospects relative to their initial entry-level earnings.
Employers in Dickinson looking to hire new technicians often include hospital nuclear medicine departments, which typically provide paid PET/CT cross-training vital for recent graduates. Outpatient PET imaging chains may also recruit pre-credentialed PET technologists, so securing the NMTCB or ARRT(N) certifications can be advantageous. While theranostics centers may require more experience before hiring, they represent the industry's fastest-growing segment, indicating a strategic focus for early-career professionals. Earning additional credentials, such as radiation safety training or CT cross-training, can help enhance starting pay. Realistically, those entering the field can expect to see gradual salary growth in their first three years as they adapt to advancements like the burgeoning demand for PET/CT and theranostic roles, diversifying their skill set to stay relevant in an evolving job landscape.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dickinson, ND typically start between $73,931 and $81,078 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,588 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,164 — 9.62% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in North Dakota of $24,000 represents just 32.46% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($73,931/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $73,931 to $81,078, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson'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 Dickinson is $53,588 ( 72.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,931, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,519.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,024
2025 BLS Actual
$70,437
2026 Current Est.
$73,931
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,024 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,169 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,623 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,349 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,437 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,931 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,598 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,024 in 2019 to $70,437 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,598. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Dickinson in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Dickinson?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Dickinson?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Dickinson?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in North Dakota?
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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