Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Portland, ME: $76,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Portland, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,695 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portland's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($101,160) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nuclear medicine technology in Portland, Maine, realistic salary expectations are anchored around a starting pay of $76,695 in 2026. This amount represents a significant gap from the overall median annual salary in the city, which stands at $101,160. Early-career professionals can anticipate a typical trajectory that moves from the entry-level figure toward the 25th percentile salary of $84,865 within a few years. As Portland continues to develop as a healthcare hub, opportunities for new nuclear medicine technologists are on the rise, making it a favorable market for those just starting their careers.
About the Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portland
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 Portland
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Portland, ME typically start between $76,695 and $84,865 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,872 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $101,160 — 4.92% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Maine of $38,000 represents just 49.55% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($76,695/year) in Portland. 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 Portland
- 1Research the Portland market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $76,695 to $84,865, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portland, 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 Portland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portland'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 Portland is $56,872 ( 74.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,695, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,567.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,932
2025 BLS Actual
$73,071
2026 Current Est.
$76,695
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,854 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,617 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,499 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Portland, ME grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,932 in 2019 to $73,071 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,499. New graduates entering the Portland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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 Portland
In Portland, several healthcare facilities are known to actively hire entry-level nuclear medicine technologists. Most new grads find opportunities in hospital settings where nuclear medicine departments often provide paid PET/CT cross-training, ensuring ample hands-on experience essential for career development. Outpatient PET imaging chains are also valuable avenues, particularly for pre-credentialed PET technicians. While theranostics centers tend to look for candidates with 3-5 years of experience, new technologists can enhance their starting pay by completing accredited programs from JRCNMT, obtaining certifications like NMTCB or ARRT(N), and pursuing CT cross-training certifications. As the industry shifts towards PET/CT and theranostics, understanding the growth dynamics in these segments can aid career strategy. For those in the first few years, staying current with advancements and pursuing continuous education will be key to navigating salary growth and professional advancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Portland, ME:
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 Portland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portland 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