Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Mason City, IA: $110,496 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Mason City, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $110,496/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Mason City's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $122,230 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior nuclear medicine technologists in Mason City, IA, are poised to earn substantial salaries as they advance in their careers. With a projected median annual salary of $87,248 in 2026, professionals who reach the top tier stand to earn as much as $110,496. This represents a significant opportunity for experienced technologists, as the gap between the median and top earners underscores the financial rewards of this career path. Achieving such levels of compensation typically requires extensive experience—often seven years or more—as well as specialized training and credentials. A focus on advanced techniques such as PET/CT and the growing field of theranostics can further enhance earning potential, making this market attractive for seasoned professionals.
About the Mason City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mason City
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Mason City earn between $98,567 and $110,496 per year (2026 est.). This $40,737 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mason City median of $87,248 sits 18% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Mason City | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $87,248 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,567 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $110,496 | $141,171 |
In Mason City, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 26.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Mason City
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $87,248 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mason City employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Mason City command premium compensation, often reaching the $98,567–$110,496 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mason City 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 Mason City 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 Mason City
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMason City ranks #20 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $110,496).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Mason City ($110,496) is 8.12% below the Iowa average P90 ($120,265).
2019 BLS Actual
$82,724
2025 BLS Actual
$105,274
2026 Current Est.
$110,496
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Mason City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,724 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,599 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,307 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,274 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,496 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,976 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Mason City saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $82,724 in 2019 to $105,274 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 $115,976 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mason City 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 Mason City
In Mason City, senior nuclear medicine technologists can expect differing compensation strategies based on their specific roles and the types of facilities that employ them. For instance, those specializing in PET/CT imaging or nuclear cardiology often command higher salaries, as these areas are expanding rapidly. Hospitals, outpatient PET/CT centers, and theranostics facilities provide varied compensation structures, with PET/CT supervisors and theranostics coordinators being among the highest-paid positions. Professional credentials also play a critical role; advanced training through JRCNMT-accredited programs and certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N) can lead to salary increases. Non-salary benefits, such as leadership opportunities and potential pay incentives for on-call work, further enhance the overall compensation package for senior nuclear medicine technologists in Mason City, solidifying their position in a competitive field.
More salary data for Mason City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Mason City in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Mason City?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Mason City?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Mason City?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Mason City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 $105,274 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Mason City 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 Mason City 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