Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Alexandria, VA: $114,377 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Alexandria, VA earns a median $114,377/year (≈ $54.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $110,830 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alexandria, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists is $114,377 for 2026, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $106,398. The salary range in the area spans from $89,637 at the 10th percentile to $155,642 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that the difference in pay can often be attributed to the type of credentials possessed, particularly those working with PET/CT versus SPECT-only certifications. As the demand for professionals skilled in advanced imaging techniques such as PET/CT and theranostics continues to rise, the earning potential for those with the relevant experience and education is set to increase, making Alexandria an appealing destination for nuclear medicine technologists.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,637 | $43.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,595 | $47.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,377 | $54.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,743 | $64.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $155,642 | $74.83 |
Median Salary Position
7.50% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,005 (2026 est.). At $114,377, the local median is 7.5% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $114,377/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $109,767 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $106,398 | +7.50% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $114,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.50% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 4.20% above the Virginia state average of $109,767.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,377 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,830 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,796
2025 BLS Actual
$108,972
2026 Current Est.
$114,377
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,559 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,697 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,972 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,377 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,050 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $83,796 (2019) to $108,972 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,050 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,254 (43.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $89,637 – $98,595 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,595 – $114,377 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,377 – $134,743 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,743 – $155,642 |
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 Alexandria
Despite an employed cohort of only 26 nuclear medicine technologists in Alexandria, the job market nonetheless offers promising opportunities for career advancement. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, residents face only a slight increase in expenses compared to the national average, suggesting that the relatively high nuclear medicine technologist pay in Alexandria VA can lead to strong purchasing power. Leading employers in the area include local hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and specialized cardiology practices that emphasize nuclear cardiology services. Salary spreads can be significant, often influenced by the provider's need for PET/CT expertise and cross-training in CT imaging, as well as experience in theranostics. To optimize pay potential within this unique Alexandria market, technologists are encouraged to pursue additional certifications and experience in high-demand specialties, particularly in advanced imaging and on-call flexibility, ensuring they remain competitive as the job market evolves.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Alexandria?
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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 $108,972 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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