Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Milwaukie, OR: $126,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Milwaukie, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $126,587/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Milwaukie's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $123,379 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 Milwaukie, experienced nuclear medicine technologists can expect to see significant earning potential, especially at the senior level. With a projected annual salary reaching up to $126,587 for top earners (P90) in 2026, those in advanced positions distinguish themselves with exceptional skills and extensive experience, often exceeding the median salary of $100,328. This notable difference between the median and the highest salaries reflects the experience premium that professionals in this field can command. To achieve such top-tier compensation, technologists frequently pursue further specialization and credentials, positioning themselves competitively for advanced roles in the market.
Technologists in Milwaukie specializing in PET/CT, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics are particularly well-placed to command premium pay, aligning with the growth trends in the sector. Nuclear medicine departments in hospitals tend to offer different compensation structures compared to outpatient PET imaging centers and specialized therapy facilities, creating variance in senior nuclear medicine technologist pay across employer types. Advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead nuclear medicine technologist or a radiation safety officer (RSO), further enhance earning potential. Additionally, obtaining advanced credentials, including cross-training in CT and completing training at JRCNMT-accredited programs, can significantly elevate compensation levels in Oregon. Non-salary benefits, such as on-call coverage for radiopharmaceutical timing and diverse credential mixes, can also influence total compensation, ensuring that top nuclear medicine technologist salary in Milwaukie reflects not only base pay but a holistic view of professional worth in this expanding field.
About the Milwaukie Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukie
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Milwaukie earn between $113,939 and $126,587 per year (2026 est.). This $43,632 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Milwaukie median of $100,328 sits 5.7% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Milwaukie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $100,328 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,939 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $126,587 | $141,171 |
In Milwaukie, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 26.17% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Milwaukie
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $100,328 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Milwaukie employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Milwaukie command premium compensation, often reaching the $113,939–$126,587 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMilwaukie ranks #34 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $126,587).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Milwaukie ($126,587) is 11.54% below the Oregon average P90 ($143,101).
2019 BLS Actual
$94,771
2025 BLS Actual
$120,605
2026 Current Est.
$126,587
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,802 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,628 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,312 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,109 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,866 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Milwaukie saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $94,771 in 2019 to $120,605 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 $132,866 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukie 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.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Milwaukie in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Milwaukie?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Milwaukie?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Milwaukie?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Milwaukie?
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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 $120,605 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie 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