Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Woodbury, MN: $81,901 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Woodbury, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,901 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodbury's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $83,148 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,182) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field as nuclear medicine technologists in Woodbury, Minnesota, the starting salary is projected to be around $81,901 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median salary of $106,182, creating a clear gap that early-career professionals should be aware of. However, there is potential for growth as these technologists move from entry-level to more experienced positions; the progression from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile is realistic within the first few years of employment, indicating that those who are proactive can expect earnings to increase steadily. Woodbury's job market remains favorable for recent graduates, particularly given the projected growth rate of 4.96% for this profession, suggesting a healthy demand for skilled technologists in the coming years.
About the Woodbury Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodbury
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 Woodbury
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Woodbury, MN typically start between $81,901 and $90,128 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,182 — 0.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Minnesota of $38,000 represents just 46.40% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($81,901/year) in Woodbury. 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 Woodbury
- 1Research the Woodbury market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $81,901 to $90,128, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Woodbury, 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 Woodbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodbury'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 Woodbury is $55,900 ( 68.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,901, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,801.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,525
2025 BLS Actual
$78,031
2026 Current Est.
$81,901
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,525 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,794 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,639 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,257 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,031 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,901 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,964 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodbury, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,525 in 2019 to $78,031 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $85,964. New graduates entering the Woodbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodbury 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 Woodbury
In Woodbury, hospitals and outpatient imaging chains are some of the primary employers who actively recruit new graduates into nuclear medicine technology roles. Institutions often prefer candidates with paid PET/CT cross-training, which significantly enhances employability. To boost starting pay in Minnesota, newly credentialed technologists are encouraged to obtain a degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, pursue certifications from NMTCB or ARRT(N), and complete state licensing requirements. Particularly in the first few years, focusing on acquiring skills in PET/CT and theranostics—areas experiencing rapid growth—can command higher salaries. Those considering entry-level positions should anticipate moderate salary growth in the initial years as they gain experience and credentials, with potential for advancement into lucrative specialties that are currently in high demand.
More salary data for Woodbury, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Woodbury in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in Woodbury?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in Woodbury?
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How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Minnesota?
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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 Woodbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodbury 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