Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in State College, PA: $98,822 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in State College, PA earns a median $98,822/year (≈ $47.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in State College's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.4), that paycheck buys what $101,460 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Pennsylvania state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in State College, Pennsylvania, can expect a median annual salary of $98,822, slightly below the national median of $106,398. The salary range in this market varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $80,160 and experienced professionals earning up to $130,000. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026 based on local cost adjustments. The local job market shows particular potential, especially as the demand for theranostics specialties expands, which tend to offer a salary premium. As employers increasingly recognize the value of advanced training in PET/CT imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapies, State College is becoming a more competitive location for nuclear medicine technologists.
About the State College Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,160 | $38.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,334 | $41.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,822 | $47.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,594 | $55.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,000 | $62.50 |
Median Salary Position
7.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in State College
In State College, PA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,840 (2026 est.). At $98,822, the local median is 7.12% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in State College: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How State College Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
State College median: $98,822/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | State College Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $103,587 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | -7.12% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in State College, PA earn a median of $98,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.12% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,587.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
State College has a cost of living 2.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
State College, PA has a cost-of-living index of 97.4 (below the national average of 100). A nuclear medicine technologist earning $98,822 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,460 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.67% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,400
2025 BLS Actual
$94,152
2026 Current Est.
$98,822
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,923 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,152 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,226 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,164 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,152 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,822 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the State College metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $72,400 (2019) to $94,152 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,324 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the State College 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) | $80,160 – $86,334 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,334 – $98,822 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,822 – $114,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,594 – $130,000 |
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 State College
As of now, there are nine nuclear medicine technologists actively working in State College, PA. While the cost-of-living index of 97.4 suggests a slightly more affordable environment than the national average, it ultimately plays a role in take-home pay. The highest salaries in the area typically come from hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, while positions in cardiology practices and mobile PET imaging companies may offer less competitive pay. Differences in compensation can largely be attributed to the mix of credentials held—those with both PET/CT and SPECT qualifications generally command higher wages due to the advanced expertise required. Additionally, factors like on-call coverage and cross-training capabilities can further influence salary brackets. To maximize earnings in State College, aspiring technologists should pursue diverse credentials and consider roles in high-demand specialties like theranostics, reflecting the growing trend in radiopharmaceutical therapies.
More salary data for State College, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in State College, PA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in State College?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted nuclear medicine technologist salary in State College?
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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 $94,152 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the State College 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 State College 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