Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Tukwila, WA: $105,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Tukwila, WA earns a median $105,623/year (≈ $50.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $98,345 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Tukwila, Washington, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $105,623. This is slightly below the national median of $106,398, with a salary range extending from $88,455 at the 10th percentile to $131,075 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect regional economic conditions. The pay disparities in Tukwila can largely be attributed to credential differences, particularly between technologists with PET/CT qualifications versus those with SPECT-only certifications. The job market for nuclear medicine technologists in the area reflects a growing demand for advanced imaging skills, indicating a practical consideration for those pursuing careers in this field.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,455 | $42.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,383 | $43.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,623 | $50.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $118,361 | $56.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,075 | $63.02 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,620 (2026 est.). At $105,623, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $105,623/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $114,311 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | -0.73% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $105,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $114,311.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,623 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,345 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,383
2025 BLS Actual
$100,632
2026 Current Est.
$105,623
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,383 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,011 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,187 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,679 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $121,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,632 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,862 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $77,383 (2019) to $100,632 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,862 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,479 (43.26%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $88,455 – $91,383 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,383 – $105,623 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,623 – $118,361 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $118,361 – $131,075 |
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 Tukwila
Currently, Tukwila employs four nuclear medicine technologists, demonstrating a niche market rife with opportunities despite the relatively small workforce. With a cost of living index of 107.4, it’s important for professionals in this field to understand how this affects their overall purchasing power. Employers such as hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient PET/CT facilities, and specialized theranostics centers typically offer the highest salaries in the region. Those who hold PET/CT credentials often command a premium, while additional qualifications in cross-training or experience with new therapies can further enhance earning potential. As there is a clear trend toward outpatient services and theranostics, staying updated on industry advancements and gaining diverse experience in these areas can significantly improve one's nuclear medicine technologist pay in Tukwila, WA.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Tukwila?
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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 $100,632 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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