Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Des Moines, IA: $134,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Des Moines, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $134,434/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Des Moines's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $148,710 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for experienced nuclear medicine technologists in Des Moines, Iowa, reflect a notable potential for high earnings, particularly for top-tier professionals. In 2026, the projected pay for those at the 90th percentile reaches an impressive $134,434, with the 75th percentile earning around $114,041. This ranges considerably from the median salary of $94,786, highlighting a significant experience premium that drives top earners in the field. For senior nuclear medicine technologists looking to maximize their compensation, advancing their qualifications and specializations is key. Those who can demonstrate expertise in rapidly-growing areas such as PET/CT imaging and theranostics may position themselves more favorably within the local job market, thereby realizing their salary potential in Des Moines.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Des Moines earn between $114,041 and $134,434 per year (2026 est.). This $61,533 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Des Moines median of $94,786 sits 10.91% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Des Moines | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $94,786 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,041 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $134,434 | $141,171 |
In Des Moines, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 41.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Des Moines
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $94,786 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Des Moines employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Des Moines command premium compensation, often reaching the $114,041–$134,434 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Iowa 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 Des Moines
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDes Moines ranks #1 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $134,434).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Des Moines ($134,434) is 11.78% above the Iowa average P90 ($120,265).
2019 BLS Actual
$100,646
2025 BLS Actual
$128,081
2026 Current Est.
$134,434
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $103,865 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,102 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Des Moines saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $100,646 in 2019 to $128,081 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 $141,102 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Achieving senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in IA involves focusing on specializations that command a premium. Areas such as PET/CT, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics are particularly lucrative, as these segments continue to expand within the healthcare landscape. The type of employer also impacts compensation; positions at advanced outpatient imaging centers or dedicated theranostics facilities typically offer higher salaries compared to traditional hospital departments. For those aspiring to leadership roles like lead technologist or radiation safety officer, further qualifications can enhance career progression. Advanced education, CT cross-training, and certifications from recognized bodies like NMTCB or ARRT(N) not only improve career outlooks but can also lead to higher earnings. As the demand for PET/CT and theranostics grows, Des Moines appears ripe with opportunities, making it an attractive place for experienced professionals in nuclear medicine technology.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Des Moines in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Des Moines?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Des Moines?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Des Moines?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Des Moines?
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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 $128,081 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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