Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Barre, VT: $74,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Barre, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,040 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,536 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,940) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Barre, Vermont, new graduates can expect an entry-level nuclear medicine technologist salary starting at around $74,040 in 2026, which is significantly below the city median of $93,940. While this initial figure may seem modest, it's important to view it in the context of potential growth. As new professionals gain experience, they can realistically anticipate moving up to $80,029 within their first few years, approaching the median salary as they build their skills and qualifications. The local job market appears promising for recent graduates, especially given the increasing demand for specialists in fields such as PET/CT and theranostics, which are projected to grow significantly in the upcoming years. This suggests that early-career technologists in Barre should be optimistic about advancement opportunities.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barre
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 Barre
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Barre, VT typically start between $74,040 and $80,029 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,418 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,940 — 11.71% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Vermont of $48,000 represents just 64.83% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($74,040/year) in Barre. 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 Barre
- 1Research the Barre market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $74,040 to $80,029, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barre, 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 Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barre'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 Barre is $40,418 ( 54.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,040, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,458.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,099
2025 BLS Actual
$70,541
2026 Current Est.
$74,040
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,099 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,246 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,435 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,609 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,682 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,541 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,712 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Barre, VT grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,099 in 2019 to $70,541 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,712. New graduates entering the Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barre 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 Barre
Employers in Barre primarily include hospital nuclear medicine departments, which tend to hire new graduates and often provide paid training in PET/CT technologies, enhancing their employability immediately after graduation. Outpatient PET imaging chains also seek pre-credentialed technicians, while theranostics centers usually require 3-5 years of specialized experience before hiring. To boost starting pay in VT, obtaining an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, coupled with certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N), is crucial. Additional credentials like CT cross-training for PET/CT and radiation safety training can also make candidates more attractive to employers. The fastest-growing segments of the industry are PET/CT and theranostics, meaning new technologists focusing on these areas could see a notable increase in salary over their first three years of employment as they gain valuable experience and expand their skill set.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Barre in 2026?
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Barre?
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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 Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barre 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