Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Bartlett, TN: $126,257 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Bartlett, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $126,257/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Bartlett's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $137,535 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Holding a position as a seasoned nuclear medicine technologist can be quite rewarding in Bartlett, Tennessee, where top earners in this profession can command salaries reaching $126,257 in 2026. With a median annual salary of $98,232, the distinction in pay between average and top performers highlights the experience premium that experienced professionals can achieve. Those aiming for the highest tiers of compensation typically possess significant expertise, specialized certifications, and a strong foundation in advanced practices, particularly in the growing fields of PET/CT and theranostics. In a market where the national median salary stands at $106,398, the compensation for senior nuclear medicine technologists in Bartlett reflects not only the demand for their skills but also the drive towards excellence in their practice.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlett
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bartlett earn between $113,631 and $126,257 per year (2026 est.). This $51,669 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bartlett median of $98,232 sits 7.67% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Bartlett | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $98,232 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,631 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $126,257 | $141,171 |
In Bartlett, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 28.53% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Bartlett
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $98,232 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bartlett employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Bartlett command premium compensation, often reaching the $113,631–$126,257 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bartlett 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 Bartlett 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 Tennessee 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 Bartlett
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBartlett ranks #12 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $126,257).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Bartlett ($126,257) is 2.91% above the Tennessee average P90 ($122,687).
2019 BLS Actual
$94,525
2025 BLS Actual
$120,291
2026 Current Est.
$126,257
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,525 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,381 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,046 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,808 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,257 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $132,520 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Bartlett saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $94,525 in 2019 to $120,291 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 $132,520 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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 Bartlett
When considering what factors contribute to commanding high salaries in Bartlett's nuclear medicine field, several aspects come into play. Specializations such as PET/CT, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics can significantly enhance earning potential, with experience in these fields increasingly sought after by employers ranging from hospitals to outpatient imaging centers. Senior positions often include roles like lead technologist or PET/CT supervisor, which can further elevate compensation levels. Advanced credentials, such as those from JRCNMT-accredited programs, NMTCB or ARRT(N) certifications, and proficiency in radiation safety protocols, are critical in establishing a competitive edge. Furthermore, compensation variations across employers—distinctly characterized by the structural divide of inpatient and outpatient services—offer different compensation models, with on-call obligations and the specific mix of imaging skills impacting salary. This multifaceted environment obliges experienced nuclear medicine technologists to adapt to advances in their field continually, ensuring their skill sets remain aligned with industry demands.
More salary data for Bartlett, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Bartlett in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Bartlett?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Bartlett?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Bartlett?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Bartlett?
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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 $120,291 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Bartlett 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 Bartlett 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