Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Medina, OH: $83,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,260 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,797 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,533) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Medina, Ohio, can expect an entry-level salary around $83,260. When compared to the median annual salary for all technologists in the area, which stands at $100,533, new entrants find themselves earning approximately 17% less than their more experienced counterparts. However, this starting range provides a solid foundation as early-career professionals can reasonably anticipate growth, moving from the entry-level pay through to $86,859 at the 25th percentile, and towards the median as they gain experience and expertise. Given this potential for salary progression and the strong demand for nuclear medicine services, Medina presents a promising job market for recent graduates.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Medina, OH typically start between $83,260 and $86,859 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,446 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,533 — 5.51% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Ohio of $30,000 represents just 36.03% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($83,260/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $83,260 to $86,859, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $47,446 ( 56.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,260, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,706.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,462
2025 BLS Actual
$79,325
2026 Current Est.
$83,260
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,752 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,515 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,711 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,389 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,462 in 2019 to $79,325 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,389. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
Several employers in Medina actively look to hire new graduates for nuclear medicine positions. Local hospitals frequently offer cross-training opportunities in PET/CT, which is advantageous for new entrants seeking hands-on experience and a pathway to advanced roles. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit pre-credentialed PET technologists eager to jumpstart their careers. Aspiring technologists should focus on completing their education through JRCNMT-accredited programs and pursuing national certification through the NMTCB or ARRT(N), as well as obtaining state licenses. Enhancing credentials with CT cross-training can significantly raise starting pay in Ohio. Career strategies should concentrate on building experience specifically in the growing PET/CT and theranostics sectors, as these areas are expanding rapidly and offering higher compensation. During the first three years, fresh graduates can expect steady salary increases aligned with their professional development and shifts in industry demand.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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