Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary 2025: $101,370 Median, Top States Pay $162k
Nuclear medicine technologists earned a median salary of $101,370 in 2025, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The top 10% pull in over $134,500, while those just starting out earn around $78,080. With 17,080 jobs nationwide and about 900 openings per year, this is a stable, well-paying allied health career.
How much Nuclear Medicine Technologists earn
The national median salary for nuclear medicine technologists is $101,370, with mean annual wages at $105,160 — roughly $49 per hour. The typical range runs from $78,080 at the 10th percentile to $134,500 at the 90th.
Pay depends heavily on setting. Hospitals, which employ the most technologists, often pay near the median. Outpatient care centers and diagnostic labs tend to offer higher salaries. Experience and certifications can push earnings above the 90th percentile.
Pay by state
California leads the nation at $162,380, followed by Washington ($126,200), Hawaii ($125,650), New Jersey ($124,280), and Oregon ($122,100). At the low end, average salaries fall to $81,900 in Wyoming, $76,460 in West Virginia, and $64,610 in Kansas. Cost of living explains some of the gap: the high-paying states tend to have higher living costs, though not always proportionally.
How to become Nuclear Medicine Technologist
You typically need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology. Programs include courses in anatomy, physics, chemistry, and radiation safety, plus clinical training. Most states require licensure or certification — the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) are the main certifying bodies. After graduation and passing the exam, you can apply for state licensure where required. The field is open to new graduates; many hospitals offer on-the-job training for a few months before you work independently.
- Complete an accredited nuclear medicine technology program (2–4 years).
- Pass the ARRT or NMTCB certification exam.
- Obtain state licensure if your state requires it.
Job outlook
Employment of nuclear medicine technologists is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 900 job openings each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Growth is driven by an aging population that needs more diagnostic imaging for cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. However, the rise of other imaging modalities like MRI and CT may temper demand.
Frequently asked questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make an hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $49. The median annual salary is $101,370, with typical pay ranging from $78,080 to $134,500.
What is the job outlook for nuclear medicine technologists?
The BLS projects 3% growth from 2024 to 2034, about average. About 900 openings per year are expected, mostly due to retirements.
What education do you need to become a nuclear medicine technologist?
You need an associate's or bachelor's degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program. Then you must pass a certification exam from ARRT or NMTCB, and get a state license if required.
Which states pay nuclear medicine technologists the most?
California ($162,380), Washington ($126,200), Hawaii ($125,650), New Jersey ($124,280), and Oregon ($122,100) are the top-paying states.
Is nuclear medicine technology a good career?
Yes — it offers strong median pay above $100k, solid job security with average growth, and a clear path through a 2- or 4-year degree and certification.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Nuclear Medicine Technologists data.