Entry-Level Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $84,808 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nuclear medicine technologists entering the Milwaukee, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,808 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Milwaukee's local price level (BEA RPP 96.9 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $87,488 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,680) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, newly minted nuclear medicine technologists entering the workforce in Milwaukee can expect an entry-level salary starting around $84,808. While this figure falls below the city median of $110,680, it represents a solid launch point for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in this dynamic field. Over the first few years, newly licensed technologists often see their salaries gradually rise, potentially reaching $90,927 within the first 3 to 5 years as they gain experience and refine their skills. Given the strong demand for qualified professionals and a projected growth trajectory of 4.96%, Milwaukee appears to be a favorable market for new grads contemplating a career in nuclear medicine technology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Milwaukee
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 Milwaukee
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Milwaukee, WI typically start between $84,808 and $90,927 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,744 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,680 — 4.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nuclear medicine program cost in Wisconsin of $30,000 represents just 35.37% of the starting nuclear medicine technologist pay ($84,808/year) in Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee
- 1Research the Milwaukee market: entry-level nuclear medicine technologist pay ranges from $84,808 to $90,927, 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 Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee is $44,744 ( 52.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,808, experienced hygienists can earn up to $129,552.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,500
2025 BLS Actual
$80,800
2026 Current Est.
$84,808
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,020 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,960 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,808 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,014 | Projected |
Entry-level nuclear medicine technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Milwaukee, WI grew 31.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,500 in 2019 to $80,800 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,014. New graduates entering the Milwaukee job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee
Major hospitals are the main employers of entry-level nuclear medicine technologists in Milwaukee, often providing structured training programs that include paid PET/CT cross-training opportunities. Outpatient imaging centers specifically seek pre-credentialed PET technicians, while theranostics facilities usually require some years of specialized experience beforehand. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining credentials like an associate's or bachelor’s degree from a JRCNMT-accredited program, acquiring NMTCB or ARRT(N) certification, and continuing education in radiation safety and CT cross-training can be advantageous. In the first three years, technologists focusing on PET/CT and theranostics, such as those involving innovative treatments like Pluvicto and Lutathera, will likely experience better salary growth as these areas command higher pay. Conversely, those in more traditional SPECT-only roles may face stagnation. For new grads entering this vibrant field, proactive career development and seeking out advanced training will be essential for maximizing their earning potential in Milwaukee, WI.
More salary data for Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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