Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Waterford, MI: $96,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Waterford, MI earns a median $96,770/year (≈ $46.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Waterford's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $103,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a nuclear medicine technologist in Waterford, MI, the 2026 median annual salary is projected to be $96,770. This median reflects the increasing demand for PET/CT modalities compared to SPECT-only roles, which significantly influences the overall salary spectrum in the area. The salary range in Waterford extends from $76,549 at the 10th percentile to $128,218 at the 90th percentile, underscoring a robust market where expertise in advanced techniques can lead to substantially higher compensation. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, particularly reflective of the skills needed to navigate the evolving imaging landscape. The job market in Waterford indicates potential for growth as professionals adapt to evolving technology in nuclear medicine.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,549 | $36.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,570 | $40.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,770 | $46.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,126 | $53.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,218 | $61.64 |
Median Salary Position
9.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterford
In Waterford, MI, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,669 (2026 est.). At $96,770, the local median is 9.05% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterford Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Waterford median: $96,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $99,150 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | -9.05% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Waterford, MI earn a median of $96,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $99,150.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterford has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterford, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A nuclear medicine technologist earning $96,770 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,830 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,896
2025 BLS Actual
$92,197
2026 Current Est.
$96,770
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,896 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,197 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,570 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterford metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $70,896 (2019) to $92,197 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,570 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,674 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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) | $76,549 – $83,570 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,570 – $96,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,770 – $112,126 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,126 – $128,218 |
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 Waterford
Analyzing the local job scene, there are currently 16 nuclear medicine technologists employed in Waterford, highlighting a focused yet competitive environment. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, residents enjoy slightly lower expenses compared to the national average, positively impacting their purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital nuclear medicine departments tend to offer the most competitive pay, particularly for technologists skilled in theranostics and cross-trained in CT. The spread in salaries observed in the market often correlates with the credential mix—those with PET/CT certifications command higher rates, while SPECT-only credentials may lead to lower pay. Factors such as experience at theranostics centers, on-call coverage needs, and the distinctions between hospital and outpatient settings significantly influence compensation levels. For those in Waterford looking to maximize their income, gaining expertise in PET/CT technology and pursuing certifications through organizations like SNMMI-TS and NMTCB can be beneficial strategies in this evolving field.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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 $92,197 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Waterford 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 Waterford 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