Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hays, KS: $114,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Hays, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,320/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Hays's price premium (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $125,765 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, senior nuclear medicine technologists can expect a competitive salary that reflects their extensive experience in the field. With a median annual salary of $90,552 in 2026, seasoned professionals have the potential to earn considerably more, with those in the 90th percentile making as much as $114,320. This stark difference in compensation highlights the experience premium associated with high-level positions; the gap between the median salary and that of top earners emphasizes the value placed on advanced skill sets. To ascend to these higher salary brackets, technologists typically pursue roles that involve specialized imaging procedures or managerial responsibilities, showcasing their expertise in nuclear medicine and their commitment to ongoing professional development.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hays earn between $102,880 and $114,320 per year (2026 est.). This $36,624 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hays median of $90,552 sits 14.89% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hays | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,552 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,880 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $114,320 | $141,171 |
In Hays, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 26.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Hays
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $90,552 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hays employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Hays command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,880–$114,320 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hays 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 Hays 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 Kansas 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 Hays
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHays ranks #20 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $114,320).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Hays ($114,320) is 4.04% below the Kansas average P90 ($119,136).
2019 BLS Actual
$85,588
2025 BLS Actual
$108,918
2026 Current Est.
$114,320
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,588 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,674 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,918 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,991 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Hays saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $85,588 in 2019 to $108,918 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 $119,991 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
When analyzing the factors that influence senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hays, it’s crucial to consider the specializations that command higher compensation. Technologists focusing on PET/CT imaging, particularly those with oncology expertise, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics—such as treatments with Lu-177 or Y-90—tend to see elevated earnings. Variations in compensation also emerge among employers: those working in hospital nuclear medicine departments, specialized outpatient PET/CT centers, or leading theranostics facilities often receive higher salaries compared to other settings. Career advancement opportunities are plentiful, allowing professionals to take on roles like lead nuclear medicine technologist or radiation safety officer. Further credentials, including certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N) and cross-training in CT, play significant roles in enhancing earning potential. In this landscape, factors such as on-call duty requirements and the type of facility also significantly impact overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Hays in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hays?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Hays?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Hays?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Hays?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 $108,918 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Hays 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 Hays 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