Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $111,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Hattiesburg, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $111,248/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Hattiesburg's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,811 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, seasoned nuclear medicine technologists in Hattiesburg, MS, can expect a significant earning potential, with salaries reaching up to $111,248 for the top 10% of earners. While the median salary stands at $87,000, the gap illustrates the premium that experience brings in this field. Achieving such a competitive salary requires a combination of technical expertise, specialized training, and a commitment to continual education. Those aiming for the highest pay brackets will need to excel in key areas such as PET/CT technology and theranostics, which are increasingly valued in today’s healthcare market, distinguishing senior professionals from their peers.
About the Hattiesburg Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hattiesburg
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hattiesburg earn between $99,134 and $111,248 per year (2026 est.). This $40,689 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hattiesburg median of $87,000 sits 18.23% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Hattiesburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $87,000 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,134 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $111,248 | $141,171 |
In Hattiesburg, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 27.87% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Hattiesburg
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $87,000 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hattiesburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Hattiesburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,134–$111,248 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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 Mississippi 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 Hattiesburg
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHattiesburg ranks #9 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $111,248).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Hattiesburg ($111,248) is 0.24% above the Mississippi average P90 ($110,984).
2019 BLS Actual
$83,288
2025 BLS Actual
$105,991
2026 Current Est.
$111,248
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,288 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,646 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,991 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,766 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Hattiesburg saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $83,288 in 2019 to $105,991 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 $116,766 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
When examining the factors that influence senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hattiesburg, certain specializations emerge as top earners, particularly in PET/CT, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics, which includes advanced therapies like Lu-177 and Y-90. Compensation can widely vary depending on the employer; for instance, those working in hospital settings often receive different benefits packages compared to those in outpatient PET/CT centers or mobile imaging services. Career advancement opportunities are also robust, with paths leading to roles such as lead technologist, supervisor, or radiation safety officer becoming increasingly attainable for technologists with specialized credentials. In Mississippi, obtaining advanced certifications such as those from NMTCB or ARRT(N) can significantly improve earning potential, particularly for those with experience in CT cross-training or specific theranostics applications. This multi-faceted approach to skills and certifications not only enhances salary prospects but also enriches career satisfaction in a continually evolving field.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Hattiesburg in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hattiesburg?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Hattiesburg?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Hattiesburg?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Hattiesburg?
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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 $105,991 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg 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