Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Everett, WA: $84,547 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,547 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,722 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($116,120) 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 Everett, Washington, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary is projected at around $84,547 in 2026. While this figure may appear modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $116,120, it is a solid starting point for early-career professionals in this specialized field. As new grads gain experience and skills, they can realistically expect salary growth, moving from entry-level positions up through the percentile ranges, reaching approximately $95,208 within the first few years. The Everett job market is also favorable for recent graduates, given the steady demand for nuclear medicine technologists, thanks in part to the city's healthcare infrastructure.
About the Everett Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Everett
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 Everett
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Everett, WA typically start between $84,547 and $95,208 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,917 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $116,120 — 9.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Washington of $42,000 represents just 49.68% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($84,547/year) in Everett. 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 Everett
- 1Research the Everett market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $84,547 to $95,208, 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 Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Everett'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 Everett is $76,917 ( 90.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,547, experienced hygienists can earn up to $161,464.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,351
2025 BLS Actual
$80,552
2026 Current Est.
$84,547
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Everett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,661 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,494 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,552 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,547 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,741 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,351 in 2019 to $80,552 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,741. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett
Several employers in Everett actively recruit entry-level nuclear medicine technologists, providing a strong gateway for new graduates. Hospitals are often the primary employers, offering substantial on-the-job training, including paid training for PET/CT certification. Outpatient imaging centers also hire pre-credentialed techs, while theranostics centers generally prefer candidates with prior experience. Credentials like an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, along with national certification from the NMTCB or ARRT(N), can significantly boost earning potential in Washington state. Cross-training in CT and radiation safety further enhances employability and starting pay opportunities. Those in the first few years of their careers should focus on specialties such as PET/CT and theranostics, as these segments offer the greatest growth and higher salaries. As entry-level professionals refine their skills and gain experience, they can anticipate promising salary advancements, benefiting from the 4.96% growth rate projected over the next several years in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Everett, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Everett 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