Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Williston, ND: $76,221 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,221 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,849 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,844) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the nuclear medicine technology field in Williston, North Dakota, the projected starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in 2026 is approximately $76,221. This figure sits significantly below the city median of $93,844, indicating a gap that new professionals should realistically anticipate as they embark on their careers. With a growth trajectory that can see salaries move from initial pay at P10 to around $82,058 at P25 in the first few years, those entering this profession have the potential for solid annual increases. Williston’s job market currently presents a promising opportunity for new graduates; with a healthy growth rate of 4.96% anticipated in this sector, graduates can expect reasonable advancements in their earnings as they gain experience.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Williston, ND typically start between $76,221 and $82,058 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,844 — 11.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in North Dakota of $24,000 represents just 31.49% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($76,221/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $76,221 to $82,058, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $43,792 ( 57.45%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,221, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,013.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,604
2025 BLS Actual
$72,619
2026 Current Est.
$76,221
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,604 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,315 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,453 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,877 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,619 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,221 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,001 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,604 in 2019 to $72,619 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,001. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Examining the local employment scene reveals that various facilities in Williston actively seek to hire new graduates, particularly hospital nuclear medicine departments where paid cross-training in PET/CT is often available. Outpatient PET imaging chains typically prefer pre-credentialed PET techs, while theranostics centers may require prior experience in PET/CT, underscoring the importance of foundational skills and ongoing education. Graduates with an Associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, alongside NMTCB or ARRT(N) national certification and a state license, can expect to enhance their earning potential. Continuing education in areas like CT cross-training can further elevate starting salaries. For individuals looking to navigate their first few years in the field, focusing on PET/CT and theranostic services—which are rapidly expanding—will be vital. Salaries for entry-level positions can realistically grow as new technologists develop specialization in these areas, though it’s essential to recognize that demand for pure SPECT-only positions is decreasing. By integrating into the thriving segments of the industry and pursuing long-term educational goals, new grads can position themselves for sustained career success in Williston.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Williston in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Williston?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Williston?
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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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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