Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Pocatello, ID: $76,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,954 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,749 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,777) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates considering a career as a nuclear medicine technologist in Pocatello, Idaho can expect starting salaries around $76,954 in 2026. This entry-level pay is noticeably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $101,777, indicating that new technologists may initially earn less as they begin their careers. However, there is potential for significant salary growth as technologists gain experience, moving through the first few years of their careers with salaries likely increasing to around $85,226 within three to five years. Given the current job market in Pocatello, entry-level positions in nuclear medicine could prove promising, especially as the need for skilled professionals in this field continues to rise.
About the Pocatello Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pocatello
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Pocatello, ID typically start between $76,954 and $85,226 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,453 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,777 — 4.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Idaho of $26,000 represents just 33.79% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($76,954/year) in Pocatello. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine technology program data. Available as associate degree, bachelor's degree, or post-primary certificate pathways. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary significantly by institution type.
NMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $76,954 to $85,226, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nuclear medicine field — employers in ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pocatello, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Compensation Range
The nuclear medicine technologist wage spread in Pocatello is $53,453 ( 69.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,954, experienced hygienists can earn up to $130,407.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,110
2025 BLS Actual
$73,317
2026 Current Est.
$76,954
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Pocatello (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,302 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,734 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,377 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,770 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,110 in 2019 to $73,317 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,770. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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.
Starting Your nuclear medicine Career in Pocatello
In Pocatello, several employers actively hire new graduates in nuclear medicine technology, with local hospitals often providing paid cross-training in PET/CT. Outpatient imaging centers also recruit newly credentialed PET technologists, creating avenues for fresh graduates to enter the workforce. To enhance starting pay in Idaho, securing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program is essential, alongside obtaining credentials from NMTCB or ARRT(N) and a relevant state license. Furthermore, gaining additional training in CT procedures can set new technologists apart in a competitive job market. As the demand for PET/CT and theranostics—such as treatments involving radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera—grows, those starting in SPECT-only roles may feel increased pressure due to market compression. By focusing on gaining relevant skills and certifications during the first one to three years, new graduates can expect realistic salary growth while positioning themselves for future success in this evolving field.
More salary data for Pocatello, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Pocatello in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Pocatello?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Pocatello?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Pocatello?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nuclear medicine graduates. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Pocatello. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pocatello 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