Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Burien, WA: $155,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Burien, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $155,179/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Burien's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $144,487 in average-cost America. The 36% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For nuclear medicine technologists in Burien, WA, the compensation landscape in 2026 shows a promising outlook, particularly for seasoned professionals. Those who reach the pinnacle of their field, earning at the 90th percentile, can expect an impressive annual salary of $155,179, alongside a 75th percentile pay of $134,474. These figures reflect a robust experience premium; with the median annual salary set at $113,739, there’s a significant difference that illustrates the value attributed to top-tier skills and responsibilities. Achieving such high earnings typically requires years of specialized training, hands-on experience in complex imaging techniques, and possibly leadership roles or advanced certifications to elevate one’s profile in a competitive market.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burien
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Burien earn between $134,474 and $155,179 per year (2026 est.). This $64,944 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burien median of $113,739 sits 6.9% above the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Burien | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $113,739 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,474 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $155,179 | $141,171 |
In Burien, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 36.43% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Burien
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $113,739 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burien employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Burien command premium compensation, often reaching the $134,474–$155,179 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burien 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 Burien 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 Washington 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 Burien
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurien ranks #11 of 49 Washington cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $155,179).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Burien ($155,179) is 4.13% below the Washington average P90 ($161,867).
2019 BLS Actual
$116,177
2025 BLS Actual
$147,846
2026 Current Est.
$155,179
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $116,177 | Actual |
| 2020 | $119,893 | Actual |
| 2021 | $116,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $125,422 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $177,077 | Actual |
| 2025 | $147,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $155,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $162,876 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Burien saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $116,177 in 2019 to $147,846 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 $162,876 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
In Burien, specific expertise within nuclear medicine is a key driver of higher salaries for senior professionals. Specializations in areas such as PET/CT with a focus on oncology, nuclear cardiology, and theranostics—especially with advanced therapies like Lu-177 and Y-90—command premium compensation rates. Furthermore, compensation varies across different types of employers, with hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient imaging centers frequently offering different pay structures. Those who take on roles such as lead technologist or radiation safety officer can expect additional leadership and advancement opportunities, bolstered by credentials from recognized bodies like NMTCB or ARRT(N). Enhanced training, such as CT cross-training or experience in theranostics, can significantly elevate earning potential. Non-salary factors, such as on-call responsibilities and workplace setting, also play crucial roles in shaping the overall compensation picture for senior nuclear medicine technologists in WA.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Burien in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Burien?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Burien?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Burien?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Burien?
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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 $147,846 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Burien 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 Burien 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