Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Syracuse, UT: $71,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,893 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,285 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,651) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the nuclear medicine technologist field in Syracuse, UT, can expect a starting salary around $71,893 in 2026. This initial pay is significantly lower than the overall median annual salary of $94,651 for technologists in the area, highlighting a gap that newcomers should prepare for as they begin their careers. Over the first few years, as entry-level professionals gain experience, they may see an increase toward the 25th percentile salary of $82,745, making career growth realistic. Given Syracuse's current job market, which features a demand for qualified nuclear medicine technologists, this region provides a favorable environment for new graduates seeking to establish themselves in this evolving field.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Syracuse, UT typically start between $71,893 and $82,745 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,473 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,651 — 11.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Utah of $30,000 represents just 41.73% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($71,893/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $71,893 to $82,745, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $52,473 ( 72.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,893, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,617
2025 BLS Actual
$68,496
2026 Current Est.
$71,893
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,118 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,741 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,933 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,496 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,459 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,617 in 2019 to $68,496 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,459. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Employers in Syracuse frequently hire entry-level nuclear medicine technologists through local hospitals and outpatient imaging centers. Many hospitals offer paid PET/CT cross-training, which is essential as experience in this area is highly sought after. New graduates with credentials from a JRCNMT-accredited program, and certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N), can enhance their initial earning potential. Additionally, pursuing CT cross-training and obtaining a state license can position early-career technologists for better job opportunities and higher salaries. The growing segments of PET/CT and theranostics, involving advanced therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera, are driving demand. However, those focused solely on SPECT may experience stagnant growth in salary. Within the first three years, with the right training and credentials, it's feasible for newcomers to shift from entry-level pay toward competitive rates as they gain proficiency in these specialized areas.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Syracuse 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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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