Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Chelsea, MA: $114,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Chelsea, MA earns a median $114,383/year (≈ $54.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $105,422 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Chelsea, Massachusetts, can expect a robust median annual salary of $114,383, significantly higher than the national figure of $106,398, reflecting a premium for expertise in the theranostics specialty. The salary landscape offers a wide range, with entry-level positions starting around $90,473 and experienced technologists potentially earning up to $143,565. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for regional cost variations. With the increasing demand for radiopharmaceutical therapies, specialists skilled in PET/CT and theranostics are particularly well-compensated, indicating a dynamic job market in Chelsea that values advanced credentials and cross-training.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,473 | $43.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,312 | $47.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,383 | $54.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,693 | $61.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $143,565 | $69.02 |
Median Salary Position
7.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,092 (2026 est.). At $114,383, the local median is 7.5% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $114,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $115,422 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +7.50% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $114,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.50% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $115,422.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,383 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,422 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,800
2025 BLS Actual
$108,978
2026 Current Est.
$114,383
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,671 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,702 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,057 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $83,800 (2019) to $108,978 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,057 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,257 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $90,473 – $98,312 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,312 – $114,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,383 – $128,693 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,693 – $143,565 |
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 Chelsea
In Chelsea, the market for nuclear medicine technologists remains competitive, with six professionals currently employed in the field. The local cost of living index stands at 108.5, suggesting that while salaries are attractive, they must be weighed against elevated living expenses. Among the various employers, hospitals and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by cardiology practices specializing in nuclear cardiology and theranostics centers that utilize treatments like lutetium-177 therapies. The disparity between lower and higher wages is influenced by several factors, including the mix of SPECT and PET/CT certifications and the experience required for on-call duties. To maximize earning potential in Chelsea, technologists should consider enhancing their qualifications by gaining cross-training in CT imaging or pursuing roles that involve theranostics, thereby positioning themselves as prime candidates for the highest-paying opportunities in this evolving medical landscape.
More salary data for Chelsea, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Chelsea, MA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Chelsea?
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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 $108,978 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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