Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Camas, WA: $86,641 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,641 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,671 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,435) 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 Camas, Washington, the starting salary outlook for 2026 is promising. With entry-level positions projected to start around $86,641, recent completers of JRCNMT-accredited programs can expect to earn less than the city median of $108,435. However, there is a clear upward trajectory within the first few years of employment. Starting salaries could reach about $94,098 at the 25th percentile as young professionals gain experience and credentialing, contributing to potential future earnings. This growth reflects Camas's status as a favorable market for new graduates, especially in light of the anticipated 4.96% annual growth rate in this sector.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Camas, WA typically start between $86,641 and $94,098 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,995 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,435 — 1.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Washington of $42,000 represents just 48.48% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($86,641/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $86,641 to $94,098, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $54,995 ( 63.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,641, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,636.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,796
2025 BLS Actual
$82,547
2026 Current Est.
$86,641
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,138 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,014 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,265 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,547 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,641 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,939 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,796 in 2019 to $82,547 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $90,939. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
When assessing job opportunities in this area, multiple employers actively seek entry-level nuclear medicine technologists, particularly within hospital nuclear medicine departments that provide paid training for cutting-edge techniques like PET/CT. Outpatient imaging centers prefer candidates who enter the workforce already certified as PET technicians, given the specialized nature of this technology. To increase starting pay in Washington, new hires should focus on obtaining relevant credentials, including national certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N), along with cross-training in CT-related procedures. As the industry lean towards theranostics therapies, like Pluvicto and Lutathera, technologists who develop skills in these high-demand fields are likely to see their salaries outperform pure SPECT roles, which are becoming less competitive. Expectations for salary growth in the first three years are relatively optimistic, as entry-level professionals transition from foundational roles to more specialized, higher-paying positions in this evolving healthcare segment.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Camas in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Camas?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Camas?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Camas?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Washington?
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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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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