Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Lehi, UT: $73,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Lehi, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,820 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lehi's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,250 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,512) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Lehi, UT, is projected at $73,820, a figure that represents the entry-level pay for recent graduates. Comparatively, the median annual salary for this profession in Lehi reaches $94,512, indicating a significant gap, especially for those new to the field. As entry-level technologists progress over their first few years, they can expect their salaries to increase, with estimates suggesting movement towards $78,916 in the 25th percentile and potentially reaching even higher as they gain experience and certification. Overall, Lehi's current market conditions appear favorable for new graduates entering the workforce, given the anticipated growth trajectory of 4.96% annually in this field.
About the Lehi Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lehi
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 Lehi
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Lehi, UT typically start between $73,820 and $78,916 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,106 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,512 — 11.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Utah of $30,000 represents just 40.64% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($73,820/year) in Lehi. 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 Lehi
- 1Research the Lehi market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $73,820 to $78,916, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lehi, 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 Lehi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lehi'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 Lehi is $50,106 ( 67.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,820, experienced hygienists can earn up to $123,926.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,947
2025 BLS Actual
$70,332
2026 Current Est.
$73,820
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lehi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,091 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,332 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,482 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lehi, UT grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,947 in 2019 to $70,332 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,482. New graduates entering the Lehi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lehi 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 Lehi
Employers in Lehi typically seek newly graduated nuclear medicine technologists for positions in hospital nuclear medicine departments, with many offering paid cross-training in PET/CT. Outpatient PET imaging chains also recruit newly credentialed technicians while theranostics centers often require prior experience, which may sometimes include 3-5 years of work. Credentials, such as a degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program and national certification through NMTCB or ARRT(N), are crucial for securing competitive starting pay. Additionally, pursuing further qualifications, such as CT cross-training, can enhance a new grad’s marketability. For those looking to build a career in this profession, focusing on PET/CT and theranostics is vital as these areas are expanding and tend to offer higher salaries. Typically, new technologists can expect to see salary increases over the first few years, aligning with market demand and personal development efforts.
More salary data for Lehi, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Lehi 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 Lehi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lehi 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