Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Maryville, TN: $74,595 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Maryville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,595 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $81,258 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Maryville, TN, can anticipate an entry-level salary around $74,595 as of 2026. While this initial pay might feel modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $92,746, it reflects a realistic starting point for those just beginning their careers. Entry-level professionals can generally expect their salaries to grow steadily as they gain experience and possibly transition to mid-level roles with an annual income reaching closer to $80,556 within the first few years. Given the 4.96% growth rate projected for the industry, Maryville presents a favorable market for new graduates, offering opportunities to advance both professionally and financially in a promising sector.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maryville
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 Maryville
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Maryville, TN typically start between $74,595 and $80,556 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,381 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,746 — 12.83% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Tennessee of $28,000 represents just 37.54% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($74,595/year) in Maryville. 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 Maryville
- 1Research the Maryville market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $74,595 to $80,556, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Maryville, 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 Maryville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maryville'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 Maryville is $43,381 ( 58.16%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,595, experienced hygienists can earn up to $117,976.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,482
2025 BLS Actual
$71,070
2026 Current Est.
$74,595
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Maryville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,482 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,873 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,595 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,295 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Maryville, TN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,482 in 2019 to $71,070 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,295. New graduates entering the Maryville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville 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 Maryville
Employers seeking entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Maryville predominantly include local hospital nuclear medicine departments, which often offer paid training in PET/CT imaging. Outpatient PET imaging chains are also potential employers, especially for candidates who have pre-credentialing in PET technologies. On the other hand, theranostics centers typically seek individuals with additional experience. Credentials like an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, and state licenses can significantly enhance starting pay in TN. New grads should also consider pursuing CT cross-training because expertise in PET/CT and rising sectors like radiopharmaceutical therapies can lead to more competitive salary packages over the first three years. Realistically, new technologists in this market may see salary increases as they build expertise and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
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 Maryville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maryville 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