Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Edmonds, WA: $83,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,016 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,812) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Edmonds, WA can expect a starting salary around $83,789. This initial pay is considerably lower than the city's median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists, which stands at $110,812, creating a gap that entry-level professionals will need to navigate early in their careers. However, the salary growth potential is promising; with experience and skill development, a new grad could move toward the 25th percentile salary of $99,055 within a few years. Given that the industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.96%, Edmonds presents a solid job market for recent graduates looking to break into nuclear medicine technology.
New nuclear medicine technologists in Edmonds have various employment opportunities primarily within hospital nuclear medicine departments, which are known to provide paid PET/CT cross-training programs for new hires. Outpatient imaging centers also seek pre-credentialed PET technologists, while theranostics centers often require seasoned professionals with three to five years of PET/CT experience. Holding an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, as well as obtaining NMTCB or ARRT(N) national certification and a state license, can significantly enhance starting pay prospects in Washington. Entry-level professionals should consider pursuing CT cross-training and radiation safety training to increase their marketability. Given that PET/CT and theranostics, such as Pluvicto and Lutathera treatments, are the fastest-growing segments in the nuclear medicine landscape, those who build expertise in these areas can expect robust salary growth in their first three years as an entry-level nuclear medicine technologist.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
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 Edmonds
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Edmonds, WA typically start between $83,789 and $99,055 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,639 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,812 — 4.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Washington of $42,000 represents just 50.13% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($83,789/year) in Edmonds. 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 Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $83,789 to $99,055, 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 Edmonds, 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 Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds'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 Edmonds is $61,639 ( 73.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,428.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,827
2025 BLS Actual
$79,829
2026 Current Est.
$83,789
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,827 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,125 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,906 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,852 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,944 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,827 in 2019 to $79,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,944. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Edmonds in 2026?
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Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Edmonds?
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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 Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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