Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Kailua, HI: $165,464 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Kailua, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $165,464/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Kailua's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $138,696 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kailua, Hawaii, senior nuclear medicine technologists can expect substantial earning potential in 2026, with the top-tier salary reaching an impressive $165,464. This figure reflects a significant premium compared to the median annual salary for experienced professionals in the area, which is projected at $128,186. The gap between median and peak earnings underscores the value placed on seasoned technologists who excel in their field. For those looking to achieve the highest compensation, developing advanced skills in specializations such as PET/CT or theranostics, as well as embracing leadership opportunities, can be key strategies for navigating the competitive landscape of nuclear medicine in HI.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kailua
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Kailua earn between $147,009 and $165,464 per year (2026 est.). This $63,972 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kailua median of $128,186 sits 20.48% above the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Kailua | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $128,186 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,009 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $165,464 | $141,171 |
In Kailua, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 29.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Kailua
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $128,186 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kailua employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Kailua command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,009–$165,464 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kailua metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nuclear medicine technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nuclear medicine technologists in Kailua with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Kailua
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKailua ranks #4 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $165,464).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Kailua ($165,464) is 5.81% below the Hawaii average P90 ($175,676).
2019 BLS Actual
$123,877
2025 BLS Actual
$157,645
2026 Current Est.
$165,464
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,877 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,839 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $145,233 | Actual |
| 2024 | $179,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,464 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,671 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Kailua saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $123,877 in 2019 to $157,645 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $173,671 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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.
Maximizing Your Nuclear Medicine Technologist Earnings in Kailua
When it comes to senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in Kailua, compensation can vary widely based on specialization and employer type. Roles emphasizing PET/CT, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics are in high demand, often commanding premium salaries that exceed average figures. Employment settings also influence pay, with hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers typically offering different compensation structures. For career advancement, positions like lead nuclear medicine technologist, PET/CT supervisor, and radiation safety officer present viable paths for experienced professionals. Moreover, obtaining further credentials from bodies such as NMTCB or ARRT(N) and engaging in CT cross-training can further boost earnings. Additional compensation factors, whether it’s experience with theranostics or high on-call demands, can also play significant roles in shaping overall pay packages for the top nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Kailua.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Kailua in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Kailua?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Kailua?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Kailua?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Kailua?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $157,645 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Kailua metro area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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