Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Duluth, MN: $136,438 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Duluth, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $136,438/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Duluth's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $138,516 in average-cost America. The 29% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced nuclear medicine technologists in Duluth, Minnesota, can expect substantial earning potential, with top earners in the field projected to make $136,438 annually. This represents a significant difference when compared to the median salary of $105,692 for the same year, highlighting the experience premium that senior professionals can command. The salary range for this role showcases not only the potential for financial growth but also reflects the increasing demand for skilled technologists in specialized areas. Achieving top-tier pay requires continuous education and specialization in advanced techniques and technology, positioning seasoned technologists well above their peers in the competitive job market of Duluth. As the healthcare industry expands, those who invest in their skills and certifications stand to benefit greatly, particularly in a region where healthcare roles have seen meaningful growth.
About the Duluth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Duluth
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Duluth earn between $120,302 and $136,438 per year (2026 est.). This $58,797 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Duluth median of $105,692 sits 0.66% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Duluth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $105,692 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,302 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $136,438 | $141,171 |
In Duluth, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 29.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Duluth
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $105,692 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Duluth employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Duluth command premium compensation, often reaching the $120,302–$136,438 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Duluth metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nuclear medicine technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nuclear medicine technologists in Duluth with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Duluth
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDuluth ranks #16 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $136,438).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Duluth ($136,438) is 0.57% below the Minnesota average P90 ($137,217).
2019 BLS Actual
$102,146
2025 BLS Actual
$129,990
2026 Current Est.
$136,438
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,413 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,274 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,990 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,438 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,205 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Duluth saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $102,146 in 2019 to $129,990 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.96% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $143,205 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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.
Maximizing Your Nuclear Medicine Technologist Earnings in Duluth
Specializations such as PET/CT will further drive compensation dynamics in Duluth, allowing skilled technologists to capitalize on advanced roles in oncology and radiopharmaceutical therapies like theranostics. The distinction in pay can be notably observed across various employer types; for instance, those working in outpatient PET/CT imaging centers or specialized theranostics clinics often earn more than their counterparts in general hospital settings. Career advancement opportunities also abound, with senior nuclear medicine technologists possibly transitioning into leadership positions such as PET/CT supervisor or radiation safety officer (RSO). The combination of advanced credentials, including ARRT(N) and NMTCB certifications, along with experience in PET/CT or pediatric nuclear medicine, significantly boosts earning potential. Compensation can also be influenced by the mix of responsibilities, such as on-call duties related to radiopharmaceutical management, making understanding local trends crucial for those pursuing a senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in MN.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Duluth in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Duluth?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Duluth?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Duluth?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Duluth?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $129,990 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Duluth metro area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Duluth 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