Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Washington, UT: $71,820 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Washington, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,820 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Washington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,211 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,620) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Washington, Utah, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in 2026 is projected to be around $71,820. This initial pay may seem modest compared to the overall median salary for this profession in the region, which is $94,620. However, new technologists can realistically expect to see a salary increase over the first few years as they build their experience. Over time, entry-level positions could progress to earning approximately $84,785, allowing individuals to bridge the gap toward the median by year three or five as they gain essential skills and potentially pursue advanced certifications. Given the local job market and the growth trajectory, Washington presents a viable opportunity for entry-level professionals in nuclear medicine.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Washington
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 Washington
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Washington, UT typically start between $71,820 and $84,785 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,683 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,620 — 11.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Utah of $30,000 represents just 41.77% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($71,820/year) in Washington. 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 Washington
- 1Research the Washington market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $71,820 to $84,785, 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 Washington, 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 Washington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Washington'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 Washington is $52,683 ( 73.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,820, experienced hygienists can earn up to $124,503.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,567
2025 BLS Actual
$68,426
2026 Current Est.
$71,820
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,567 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,680 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,732 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,867 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,426 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,820 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,382 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Washington, UT grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,567 in 2019 to $68,426 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,382. New graduates entering the Washington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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 Washington
In Washington, prominent employers such as hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient imaging centers, and theralogics facilities are likely to hire new graduates. Hospitals typically offer on-the-job training, including paid cross-training in PET/CT, while outpatient chains may prioritize candidates with pre-credentialing. Obtaining a degree from an accredited program by JRCNMT, followed by certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N), can significantly enhance earning potential. Moreover, pursuing additional qualifications like NMTCB-CT or ARRT-CT for positions involving PET/CT would strengthen one’s professional profile. Within the first few years of career development, particularly in the growing areas of PET/CT and theranostics, individuals can expect competitive pay as they move beyond pure SPECT roles. Given the average growth rate of 4.96%, newly minted technologists might find their earnings gradually aligning more closely with the median salary as they establish themselves in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Washington in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Washington?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Washington?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Washington?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Washington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington 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