Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $126,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Waipahu, HI earns a median $126,711/year (≈ $60.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Waipahu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $106,212 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the compensation for nuclear medicine technologists is notably competitive, with a median annual salary projected at $126,711 for 2026. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to national averages, exceeding the U.S. median of $106,398 by approximately 19.09%. The salary range in Waipahu spans from $98,000 at the low end to $168,870 at the high end. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local costs of living and regional market conditions. As Waipahu's job market contends with nuances such as theranostics specialty training, those who advance into this rapidly expanding segment may see their earnings reflect the premium associated with this advanced level of expertise.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,000 | $47.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,166 | $51.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $126,711 | $60.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,777 | $67.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,870 | $81.19 |
Median Salary Position
19.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
In Waipahu, HI, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,870 (2026 est.). At $126,711, the local median is 19.09% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waipahu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waipahu Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Waipahu median: $126,711/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waipahu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $129,297 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +19.09% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Waipahu, HI earn a median of $126,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.09% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.00% below the Hawaii state average of $129,297.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waipahu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waipahu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $126,711 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,212 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,832
2025 BLS Actual
$120,723
2026 Current Est.
$126,711
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,585 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,944 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,996 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waipahu metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $92,832 (2019) to $120,723 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $132,996 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,164 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $98,000 – $107,166 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,166 – $126,711 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $126,711 – $140,777 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,777 – $168,870 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Waipahu
Job prospects for nuclear medicine technologists in Waipahu are growing, with currently nine employed professionals in the area. The local cost of living index stands at 119.3, which is above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power and job negotiations. Employers such as outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and theranostics facilities typically offer the highest compensation, driven by the increasing demand for advanced PET/CT modalities and theranostics such as lutetium-177 therapies. The disparity in pay often results from varying credential mixes; technologists with expertise in both CT and SPECT may command higher salaries, particularly those who are on call or cross-trained. To maximize earnings, professionals should seek accreditation through recognized bodies like the SNMMI-TS and continuously pursue advanced certifications while staying informed about the evolving landscape of nuclear medicine, including the lucrative opportunities present in newer therapies.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $120,723 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Waipahu metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waipahu 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