Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $168,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Waipahu, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $168,870/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Waipahu's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $141,551 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced nuclear medicine technologists in Waipahu, Hawaii, can anticipate a median annual salary of $126,711, with top earners poised to make an impressive $168,870. This stands out distinctly compared to the national median of $106,398, representing a notable salary premium of over 19%. Achieving this top-tier pay often requires substantial experience—typically over seven years—as well as specialized skills in advanced imaging techniques like PET/CT or theranostics. The path to reaching these lucrative opportunities involves not just time in the field, but also pursuing additional certifications and training to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technologies within the nuclear medicine sector.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Waipahu earn between $140,777 and $168,870 per year (2026 est.). This $70,870 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waipahu median of $126,711 sits 19.09% above the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Waipahu | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $126,711 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,777 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $168,870 | $141,171 |
In Waipahu, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 33.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Waipahu
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $126,711 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waipahu employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Waipahu command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,777–$168,870 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaipahu ranks #3 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $168,870).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Waipahu ($168,870) is 3.87% below the Hawaii average P90 ($175,676).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,427
2025 BLS Actual
$160,890
2026 Current Est.
$168,870
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,427 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,487 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,222 | Actual |
| 2024 | $182,961 | Actual |
| 2025 | $160,890 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $168,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,246 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Waipahu saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $126,427 in 2019 to $160,890 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 $177,246 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Several factors contribute to the pronounced differences in senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in HI. Specializations such as PET/CT with an oncology focus, nuclear cardiology, and pediatric nuclear medicine are particularly sought after, commanding higher salaries. Additionally, compensation is influenced by the type of employer, with veterans’ affairs medical centers, hospital departments, and outpatient imaging facilities offering distinct pay scales. Roles that emphasize leadership, such as lead nuclear medicine technologist or applications specialist, further enhance earning potential. Acquiring credentials from recognized programs like JRCNMT or additional certifications for CT cross-training significantly boosts desirability and compensation as well. Furthermore, non-salary factors like on-call coverage for time-sensitive radiopharmaceuticals and experience in theranostics centers enrich overall compensation packages, making Waipahu a competitive location for seasoned professionals in nuclear medicine.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Waipahu in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Waipahu?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Waipahu?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Waipahu?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Waipahu?
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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 $160,890 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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