Nuclear Med Tech Salary

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 108.59% 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.

$90,498
Starting Salary
$43.51/hr
Starting Hourly
$90,498
Entry Level
$110,576
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Entry Level Salary in Dracut, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Dracut, MA nuclear medicine technologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$90,498/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$97,195/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$110,576/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$126,584/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dracut

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut. The median salary is $110,576, compared to the national median of $106,398.$81.4K$98.4K$115.4K$132.4K$149.3K$90.5K10th Pctl$97.2K25th Pctl$110.6KMedian$126.6K75th Pctl$142.2K90th PctlUS Median$106.4K

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 $110,5763.93% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of nuclear medicine technologist pay in the Dracut metro area.

Return on Investment

$62,000
Avg MA Program Cost
$90,498
Starting Salary
68.51%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut. Baseline $62,457 in 2025, projected to $94,986 by 2027.$55.0K$68.0K$81.1K$94.1K$107.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$62.5K$63.9K$66.9K$71.4K$76.5K$99.7K$86.2K$90.5K$95.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$62,457Actual
2020$63,860Actual
2021$66,863Actual
2022$71,424Actual
2023$76,526Actual
2024$99,742Actual
2025$86,221Actual
2026(current)$90,498Estimated
2027$94,986Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut in 2026?

Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut start at approximately $90,498/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.96% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $43.51/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Dracut?

Most nuclear medicine technologists in Dracut progress from the entry-level salary of $90,498 to the area median of $110,576 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $142,220 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Dracut?

With a starting salary of $90,498/year in Dracut and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new nuclear medicine technologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in Dracut?

New nuclear medicine graduates in Dracut typically start near the 10th percentile at $90,498/year, or approximately $43.51/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Massachusetts?

To become a licensed nuclear medicine technologist in Massachusetts, you typically need an associate degree or bachelor's degree in nuclear medicine technology is required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Massachusetts, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some nuclear medicine technologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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