Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Methuen, MA: $91,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Methuen, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $91,763 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Methuen's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $84,574 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,811) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting nuclear medicine technologist salary in Methuen, Massachusetts, is projected to be around $91,763. While this figure may initially seem conservative compared to the city median of $113,811, it reflects the natural progression that new graduates can expect in their early careers. As they gain experience over the next few years, salaries can anticipate climbing to approximately $99,674 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching higher levels as individuals approach the median. With a projected job growth rate of 4.96% annually, Methuen represents a favorable market for fresh graduates looking to begin their careers in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Methuen Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($116,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Methuen
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 Methuen
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Methuen, MA typically start between $91,763 and $99,674 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,038 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,811 — 6.97% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Massachusetts of $62,000 represents just 67.57% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($91,763/year) in Methuen. 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 Methuen
- 1Research the Methuen market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $91,763 to $99,674, 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 Methuen, 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 Methuen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Methuen'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 Methuen is $61,038 ( 66.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $91,763, experienced hygienists can earn up to $152,801.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,331
2025 BLS Actual
$87,427
2026 Current Est.
$91,763
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,331 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,753 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,798 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,423 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,596 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,315 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Methuen, MA grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,331 in 2019 to $87,427 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $96,315. New graduates entering the Methuen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Methuen 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 Methuen
Employers in Methuen actively seeking to hire new graduates include hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient imaging chains, both of which often require or prefer new hires to possess a degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program along with national certification from NMTCB or ARRT(N). For those interested in advanced roles, obtaining CT cross-training credentials can greatly enhance starting pay opportunities in this sector. With the industry's shift towards PET/CT and theranostics, positions in these areas are experiencing rapid growth and often come with higher compensation compared to traditional SPECT roles. New graduates should strategically focus on gaining expertise through continuing education and relevant certifications, as this could lead to realistic salary advancements within the initial 1-3 years of employment in Methuen.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Methuen in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Methuen?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Methuen 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