Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Clifton, NJ: $115,791 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Clifton, NJ earns a median $115,791/year (≈ $55.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $100,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Clifton, New Jersey, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $115,791, which is notably higher than the national median of $106,398, reflecting a premium for expertise in theranostics. Salaries in the city span a robust range, with entry-level positions beginning at $92,648 and more experienced roles commanding up to $158,960 annually. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and the cost of living, which indicates that Clifton's job market is both competitive and rewarding. The presence of specialized facilities and advanced therapeutic methods is likely influencing this salary trend, particularly as theranostics continues to grow rapidly within the field.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,648 | $44.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,786 | $48.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,791 | $55.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,541 | $62.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,960 | $76.42 |
Median Salary Position
8.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,312 (2026 est.). At $115,791, the local median is 8.83% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Clifton median: $115,791/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $118,033 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +8.83% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $115,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.83% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $118,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,791 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,513 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,831
2025 BLS Actual
$110,319
2026 Current Est.
$115,791
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,666 | Actual |
| 2024 | $122,113 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,319 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,791 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,534 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $84,831 (2019) to $110,319 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,534 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,703 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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) | $92,648 – $100,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,786 – $115,791 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,791 – $130,541 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,541 – $158,960 |
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 Clifton
The local job market shows a solid demand for nuclear medicine technologists, with 14 professionals currently employed in Clifton. This stable employment scenario is accompanied by a cost-of-living index of 115.2, suggesting a higher expense for residents, which may affect take-home purchasing power. Among potential employers, hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics centers are typically the highest-paying options. The variance in pay is driven by factors such as credentialing—those proficient in both PET/CT and SPECT modalities can access better compensation opportunities. Gaining experience in theranostics and maintaining flexible on-call coverage can further enhance prospects in this competitive market, ensuring that those who adapt to its evolving needs maximize their earnings potential in Clifton, NJ.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Clifton, NJ in 2026?
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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 $110,319 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Clifton 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 Clifton 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