Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $77,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,545 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,025 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,041) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, aspiring nuclear medicine technologists can expect to start their careers at an entry-level salary of about $77,545 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap between starting pay and the city's median salary of $95,041. New graduates can anticipate a gradual growth in earnings, as they typically move from entry-level roles that pay approximately $83,364 (the 25th percentile) after gaining a few years of experience. Given the projected market dynamics, Manitowoc remains a favorable location for new graduates, particularly as advancements in PET/CT technology and theranostics expand opportunities in the healthcare sector.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $77,545 and $83,364 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,649 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,041 — 10.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Wisconsin of $30,000 represents just 38.69% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($77,545/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $77,545 to $83,364, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc's below-average 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 Manitowoc is $44,649 ( 57.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,545, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,194.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,518
2025 BLS Actual
$73,881
2026 Current Est.
$77,545
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,518 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,202 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,881 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,392 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,518 in 2019 to $73,881 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,392. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
For those entering the field, several local employers, including hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient imaging chains, are known to actively hire recent graduates. While facilities may provide paid cross-training in PET/CT, they often have specific requirements like a JRCNMT-accredited associate's or bachelor's degree, along with NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification. Continued education, especially in areas such as radiation safety and PET/CT cross-training, can enhance starting pay in Wisconsin. As the industry shifts towards theranostics, positions requiring further experience in PET/CT are anticipated to offer higher salaries. New graduates should focus on building expertise within this growing segment and expect salary increases during their first three years as they strengthen their qualifications and gain practical experience.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Manitowoc?
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How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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