Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Dracut, MA: $90,498 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $90,498 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,408 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,576) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut, Massachusetts can expect a starting salary of around $90,498, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $110,576. This initial pay may seem modest, but there is a concrete growth trajectory within the first few years, moving from an entry-level position toward $97,195, which represents the 25th percentile. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.96%, early-career professionals in this field have the potential to close the gap as they gain experience and possibly earn a higher wage in a relatively stable market. Given the demand for skilled nuclear medicine technologists, particularly in a community like Dracut, new graduates should find ample opportunities to advance their careers and salaries over time.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
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 Dracut
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut, MA typically start between $90,498 and $97,195 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,722 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,576 — 3.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 68.51% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($90,498/year) in Dracut. 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 Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $90,498 to $97,195, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dracut, 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 Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut'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 Dracut is $51,722 ( 57.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $90,498, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,220.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,457
2025 BLS Actual
$86,221
2026 Current Est.
$90,498
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,424 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,526 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,498 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,986 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,457 in 2019 to $86,221 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $94,986. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
Employment opportunities for new graduate nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut primarily reside in local hospital nuclear medicine departments, which often provide paid cross-training in PET/CT. Outpatient imaging chains frequently recruit pre-credentialed PET techs, making it beneficial for new hires to have relevant certifications such as those from the NMTCB or ARRT(N). While some theranostics centers may seek experienced professionals with 3-5 years in the field, advancing quickly through credentials can enhance earning potential. By pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program and obtaining additional CT cross-training, entry-level technologists can position themselves competitively. As the industry pivots toward PET/CT and theranostics—radiopharmaceutical therapies like Pluvicto and Lutathera—those focusing primarily on SPECT-only roles may find themselves facing greater challenges. Realistically, new graduates can anticipate gradual salary increments as they advance through their first few years, rapidly gaining experience and skills essential for thriving in this evolving market.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
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 Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut 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