Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Kenosha, WI: $72,516 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Kenosha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,516 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenosha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,640 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,560) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the nuclear medicine technologist field in Kenosha, WI, can expect a starting salary of approximately $72,516. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, showcasing a gap from the median annual salary of $98,560 in the city. Over the first few years, as newly minted professionals gain experience, their earnings can grow significantly. By reaching the 25th percentile, salaries can jump to around $87,017 before approaching the median, providing a strong growth trajectory for entry-level technologists. Given the relatively stable job market and projected growth in this field, Kenosha appears to offer a favorable landscape for new graduates seeking employment opportunities in nuclear medicine technology.
About the Kenosha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenosha
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 Kenosha
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Kenosha, WI typically start between $72,516 and $87,017 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,991 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,560 — 7.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Wisconsin of $30,000 represents just 41.37% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($72,516/year) in Kenosha. 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 Kenosha
- 1Research the Kenosha market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $72,516 to $87,017, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenosha, 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 Kenosha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenosha's below-average 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 Kenosha is $60,991 ( 84.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,516, experienced hygienists can earn up to $133,507.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,047
2025 BLS Actual
$69,089
2026 Current Est.
$72,516
2019–2027 Growth
+52.1%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,171 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,061 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,089 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,516 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,113 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenosha, WI grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,047 in 2019 to $69,089 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,113. New graduates entering the Kenosha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Employers in Kenosha primarily hiring newly graduated nuclear medicine technologists include hospital nuclear medicine departments that often provide comprehensive training programs, including paid PET/CT cross-training. Additionally, outpatient PET imaging chains actively recruit pre-credentialed PET technicians, while theranostics centers typically prefer candidates with several years of PET/CT experience. For those looking to bolster their starting nuclear medicine technologist pay in WI, acquiring credentials from a JRCNMT-accredited program and obtaining national certification through NMTCB or ARRT(N) is essential, alongside securing a state license and pursuing CT cross-training. As the industry shifts, focusing on PET/CT and theranostic therapies—like Pluvicto and Lutathera—can provide better career prospects and higher compensation. In the first three years on the job, realistic salary growth may reflect the increasing demand for skilled technologists in these specialized sectors, offering exciting opportunities for dedicated professionals in Kenosha.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
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 Kenosha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenosha 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