Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Bend, OR: $146,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Bend, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $146,438/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Bend's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $142,727 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior nuclear medicine technologists in Bend, Oregon, have the potential to achieve substantial earnings, with top earners (P90) reaching an estimated $146,438 annually. This figure showcases a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $107,031 in the area. The earning potential for the highest-paid professionals exceeds the national median of $106,398, reflecting the demand for experienced nuclear medicine technologists in specialized areas such as PET/CT and theranostics. To reach these peak salaries, professionals typically need extensive experience—over seven years—along with advanced certifications and specialized training that enhances their skills and marketability within the evolving healthcare landscape in Bend.
About the Bend Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bend
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bend earn between $120,696 and $146,438 per year (2026 est.). This $60,976 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bend median of $107,031 sits 0.59% above the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Bend | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $107,031 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,696 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $146,438 | $141,171 |
In Bend, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 36.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Bend
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $107,031 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bend employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Bend command premium compensation, often reaching the $120,696–$146,438 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bend 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 Bend 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 Oregon 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 Bend
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBend ranks #5 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $146,438).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Bend ($146,438) is 2.33% above the Oregon average P90 ($143,101).
2019 BLS Actual
$109,633
2025 BLS Actual
$139,518
2026 Current Est.
$146,438
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,633 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,139 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,467 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,357 | Actual |
| 2023 | $128,533 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $153,701 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Bend saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $109,633 in 2019 to $139,518 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 $153,701 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bend 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 Bend
Compensation for senior nuclear medicine technologists varies based on the type of employer, with lucrative positions available in hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and specialized cardiology practices. For instance, technologists involved in theranostics, such as those administering Lu-177 therapies, can command premium pay due to the intricacies and expertise required in these roles. Furthermore, senior professionals who hold advanced credentials from recognized bodies like NMTCB or ARRT(N) can enhance their earning potential significantly, especially when they cross-train for CT certifications. Moreover, leadership positions, such as lead nuclear medicine technologist or theranostics coordinator, offer pathways for further advancement and increased compensation. Factors such as on-call availability and the location of employment, whether in a hospital or outpatient setting, also impact overall pay, underscoring the importance of strategic career moves for maximizing earnings in the competitive nuclear medicine field in Bend, OR.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Bend in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Bend?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Bend?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Bend?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Bend?
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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 $139,518 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Bend 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 Bend 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