Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in South Burlington, VT: $73,798 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the South Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,798 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,302 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($94,007) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Burlington, Vermont, new graduates seeking positions as nuclear medicine technologists can expect a starting salary around $73,798 in 2026. While this entry-level figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for the area, which stands at $94,007, there is a clear path for growth. Entry-level professionals may see salary increases as they gain experience, potentially reaching an estimated $80,169 at the 25th percentile in just a few years. The local market for new technologists is positive, reflecting the area's demand for healthcare services, making it a promising place for recent graduates to begin their careers.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Burlington
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 South Burlington
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in South Burlington, VT typically start between $73,798 and $80,169 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,709 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $94,007 — 11.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Vermont of $48,000 represents just 65.04% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($73,798/year) in South Burlington. 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 South Burlington
- 1Research the South Burlington market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $73,798 to $80,169, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Burlington, 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 South Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Burlington'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 South Burlington is $46,709 ( 63.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,798, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,507.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,932
2025 BLS Actual
$70,311
2026 Current Est.
$73,798
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,932 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,076 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,525 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,405 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,451 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,798 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,459 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in South Burlington, VT grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,932 in 2019 to $70,311 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,459. New graduates entering the South Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
When considering employment opportunities, hospitals and outpatient imaging centers in South Burlington are primary employers for new nuclear medicine technologists. Many of these institutions offer family-friendly training programs, especially for those with prior PET/CT credentials. Obtaining certifications from organizations like NMTCB or ARRT(N) can enhance starting pay, with an emphasis on credentials from JRCNMT-accredited programs. As the demand for PET/CT procedures and theranostics continues to grow, technologists can expect competitive salaries during their initial years. Rapid advancement is likely for professionals skilled in these areas, reflecting ongoing salary potential that aligns with market trends towards advanced imaging technologies. New graduates should strategize their career paths by pursuing cross-training opportunities in CT and continuing education in radiation safety, as the premium pay scales are increasingly reserved for those who diversify their skillsets in these evolving specialties.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nuclear medicine technologists in South Burlington in 2026?
How fast do nuclear medicine technologist salaries grow in South Burlington?
Is nuclear medicine school worth it in South Burlington?
What do new nuclear medicine technologists make right out of school in South Burlington?
How do I become a nuclear medicine technologist in Vermont?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Vermont
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 South Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Burlington 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