Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Peoria, IL: $81,443 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,443 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,875 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,573) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Peoria, IL, presents new graduates with a promising opportunity. The starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Peoria for 2026 is projected at $81,443, which is approximately $22,130 less than the city’s median annual salary of $103,573. However, as early-career professionals gain experience, salaries are expected to rise gradually to around $89,410 in the first few years. For those looking to begin their careers in this sector, Peoria offers a competitive market, particularly given its cost of living index of 97.1, which is below the national average. This affordability helps to position new graduates favorably as they embark on their professional journeys.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Peoria, IL typically start between $81,443 and $89,410 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,572 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,573 — 2.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Illinois of $36,000 represents just 44.20% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($81,443/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $81,443 to $89,410, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $63,572 ( 78.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,443, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,015.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,208
2025 BLS Actual
$77,594
2026 Current Est.
$81,443
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,869 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,594 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,443 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,482 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,208 in 2019 to $77,594 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,482. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
In Peoria, major hospitals and outpatient facilities are the primary employers of entry-level nuclear medicine technologists, often offering paid cross-training in PET/CT for new grads who possess the required credentials. Candidates with an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, along with NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, will find their market value enhanced. Cross-training in CT imaging or knowledge of theranostic techniques, such as those involving Pluvicto and Lutathera, will be advantageous in the job market. Additionally, as the demand for PET/CT professionals grows, new technologists can realistically anticipate salary growth in the first few years of their careers, although those in pure SPECT roles may face stagnation in earnings. Overall, for anyone starting their career in nuclear medicine in Peoria, strategic choices regarding education and training can lead to enhanced pay prospects and career advancement.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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