Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Herndon, VA: $102,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Herndon, VA earns a median $102,856/year (≈ $49.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $99,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for nuclear medicine technologists in Herndon, Virginia, is $102,856, making it a competitive position compared to the national median of $106,398. The salary range locally extends from $88,000 at the 10th percentile to $124,052 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations based on experience and specialty. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. With the growing emphasis on theranostics and advanced imaging technologies, particularly in nuclear medicine, professionals specializing in this field are likely to see enhanced pay. Herndon's job market, although featuring only five employed nuclear medicine technologists, is poised for growth, especially in advanced roles that command premium compensation.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,000 | $42.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,991 | $44.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,856 | $49.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,038 | $54.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,052 | $59.64 |
Median Salary Position
3.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,052 (2026 est.). At $102,856, the local median is 3.33% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Herndon Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Herndon median: $102,856/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $109,771 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | -3.33% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Herndon, VA earn a median of $102,856 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.33% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $109,771.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $102,856 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,667 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,355
2025 BLS Actual
$97,995
2026 Current Est.
$102,856
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Herndon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,355 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,957 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $75,355 (2019) to $97,995 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,602 (43.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $88,000 – $92,991 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,991 – $102,856 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,856 – $113,038 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,038 – $124,052 |
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 Herndon
The local job market for nuclear medicine technologists reflects both demand and competitive pay structures, bolstered by a cost of living index of 103.2, which indicates moderate lived expenses in Herndon, VA. Among local employers, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and theranostics facilities, focusing on therapies such as lutetium-177, tend to offer the highest salaries. The spread between lower and higher salaries often revolves around the complexity of the roles; those with experience in theranostics or PET/CT imaging are generally more sought after compared to those restricted to SPECT-only credentials. Additional skills such as CT cross-training or the ability to provide on-call coverage can significantly improve pay prospects. To maximize earnings in this market, technologists should pursue advanced certifications related to PET and theranostics, stay updated on emerging technologies, and seek out positions in higher-paying environments like specialized imaging centers or hospital nuclear medicine departments.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Herndon, VA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Herndon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted nuclear medicine technologist salary in Herndon?
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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 $97,995 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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