Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hurst, TX: $75,411 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,411 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,553 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,264) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting their careers as nuclear medicine technologists in Hurst, Texas, the entry-level landscape presents both potential and challenges. A new grad might expect a starting nuclear medicine technologist salary Hurst at around $75,411, creating a notable gap between this figure and the city's projected median annual salary of $99,264. Over the next few years, as professionals gain experience and credentials, they can anticipate progress through the pay ranges, moving from the P10 level to the P25 at approximately $88,993, ultimately aiming for the median salary. Given Hurst's current job market and the projected growth rate of 4.96%, now is a promising time for those entering the field, particularly as advancements in PET/CT and theranostics signal expanding opportunities.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Hurst, TX typically start between $75,411 and $88,993 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,162 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,264 — 6.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Texas of $32,000 represents just 42.43% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($75,411/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $75,411 to $88,993, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate 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 Hurst is $49,162 ( 65.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,411, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,573.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,045
2025 BLS Actual
$71,847
2026 Current Est.
$75,411
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,214 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,517 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,972 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,411 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,151 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,045 in 2019 to $71,847 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,151. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
New graduates in Hurst can find employment primarily with hospitals that have robust nuclear medicine departments, where they often offer paid PET/CT cross-training to bring fresh talent up to speed. Many outpatient imaging centers also welcome pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers typically prefer candidates with several years of experience. Holding an associate's or bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, along with certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N), significantly enhances job prospects and starting pay in Texas. Additionally, integrating CT cross-training into one's skill set, such as NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT, can be vital for those seeking to specialize in the growing areas of PET/CT and radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera. In the first three years, those who build on their education and gain in-demand experience can expect to see a steady increase in pay that aligns with both local trends and national standards.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Hurst in 2026?
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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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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