Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Dubuque, IA: $93,252 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Dubuque, IA earns a median $93,252/year (≈ $44.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Dubuque's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $103,155 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Dubuque, Iowa can expect a competitive median annual salary of $93,252 in 2026, which reflects a notable decrease of 12.36% when compared to the national median of $106,398. The salary range for these professionals in the area varies significantly, from $71,641 at the lower tenth percentile to $124,124 at the top ninety percent. These projections are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, and reveal current market dynamics. Moreover, those specializing in theranostics—particularly in advanced treatments like Pluvicto and Lutathera—may command a premium within this pay spectrum, as the demand for expertise in these innovative therapies continues to grow.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,641 | $34.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,010 | $37.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,252 | $44.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,604 | $52.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,124 | $59.67 |
Median Salary Position
12.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dubuque
In Dubuque, IA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,483 (2026 est.). At $93,252, the local median is 12.36% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dubuque: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dubuque Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Dubuque median: $93,252/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dubuque Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $92,146 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $106,398 | -12.36% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dubuque, IA earn a median of $93,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.36% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $92,146.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dubuque has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dubuque, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A nuclear medicine technologist earning $93,252 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,155 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,319
2025 BLS Actual
$88,845
2026 Current Est.
$93,252
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,319 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,756 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,029 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,761 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,845 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,252 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,877 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dubuque metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $68,319 (2019) to $88,845 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,877 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,558 (43.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dubuque 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,641 – $79,010 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,010 – $93,252 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,252 – $108,604 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,604 – $124,124 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Dubuque
Currently, Dubuque employs 12 nuclear medicine technologists, giving an insight into the local job market strength. With a cost-of-living index at 90.4, salaries afforded to technologists might stretch further, translating to better purchasing power than in many regions with higher living costs. Among local employers, facilities that excel in patient care and advanced imaging—such as outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and specialized cardiac practices—often offer higher compensation. Factors contributing to variations in pay include the mix of certifications, levels of on-call requirements, and the type of radiological procedures performed. For those in Dubuque looking to maximize earnings in nuclear medicine technologist pay, pursuing additional certifications and cross-training in specialties like PET/CT or theranostics can enhance job attractiveness and potential salary growth.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $88,845 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Dubuque metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dubuque 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