Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $131,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Great Falls, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $131,205/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Great Falls's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $136,388 in average-cost America. The 37% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Achieving top-tier compensation as an experienced nuclear medicine technologist in Great Falls, Montana, hinges on specialized expertise and advanced credentials. In 2026, professionals at the 90th percentile (P90) can expect an annual salary of $131,205, significantly higher than the median salary of $95,886. The considerable gap between the median and top earners highlights the financial potential for those who excel in advanced techniques and leadership roles. To reach these upper echelons of pay, technologists often pursue specialized training in areas such as PET/CT and theranostics, both of which are increasingly in demand. Such targeted experience not only enhances skill sets but also positions individuals to negotiate higher salaries within a competitive market.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Great Falls earn between $113,596 and $131,205 per year (2026 est.). This $60,093 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Great Falls median of $95,886 sits 9.88% below the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Great Falls | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,886 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,596 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $131,205 | $141,171 |
In Great Falls, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 36.83% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Great Falls
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $95,886 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Great Falls employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Great Falls command premium compensation, often reaching the $113,596–$131,205 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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 Montana 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 Great Falls
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedGreat Falls ranks #1 of 7 Montana cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $131,205).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Great Falls ($131,205) is 3.24% above the Montana average P90 ($127,087).
2019 BLS Actual
$98,229
2025 BLS Actual
$125,005
2026 Current Est.
$131,205
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,229 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,370 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,080 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,045 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,005 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,713 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Great Falls saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $98,229 in 2019 to $125,005 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 $137,713 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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 Great Falls
Compensation dynamics for senior nuclear medicine technologists in Great Falls reflect the varying demands across different sectors. Specializations like PET/CT, specifically with an oncology focus, and nuclear cardiology typically command higher salaries due to their complexity and the advanced training required. Hospital settings, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and specialized clinics such as those focusing on theranostics often compensation structures that cater to experienced professionals with substantial credentials. Leadership roles such as PET/CT supervisor or theranostics coordinator can further enhance earnings potential, especially with advanced certifications from organizations like the NMTCB or ARRT(N). Additionally, experience in radiation safety and CT cross-training can provide added value, influencing both salary and non-monetary benefits such as work-life balance and job stability. As the field evolves, the most successful technologists will adapt to the shifting landscape, continually enhancing their skill set to meet the healthcare industry's needs.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Great Falls in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Great Falls?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Great Falls?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Great Falls?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Great Falls?
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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 $125,005 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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