Senior Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Syracuse, NY: $169,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nuclear medicine technologists working in Syracuse, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,306/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2033. Strip back Syracuse's price premium (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $146,079 in average-cost America. The 33% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Syracuse, experienced nuclear medicine technologists are positioned to earn substantially higher salaries compared to their national counterparts. With a median annual salary projected at $127,632 in 2026, senior professionals can anticipate a salary range that peaks at $169,306, reflecting the top 90th percentile. This significant earning potential delineates a clear experience premium, emphasizing the financial rewards for those who advance within the field and gain expertise over seven years or more. To achieve these top-tier salaries, technologists must refine their skills and knowledge, often pursuing additional certifications and specializations that differentiate them in an evolving market, particularly in areas such as PET/CT imaging and theranostics.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
Experienced nuclear medicine technologists at the top of the pay scale in Syracuse earn between $147,859 and $169,306 per year (2026 est.). This $72,517 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Syracuse median of $127,632 sits 19.96% above the US median.
Top NMT Salary Comparison
| Level | Syracuse | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $127,632 | $106,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,859 | $122,929 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,306 | $141,171 |
In Syracuse, experienced nuclear medicine technologists (P90) earn 32.65% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay in Syracuse
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY nuclear medicine technologists with additional specialty certifications within the nuclear medicine field earn significantly above the $127,632 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Syracuse employers.
Specialty Focus
Nuclear Medicine Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nuclear medicine field in Syracuse command premium compensation, often reaching the $147,859–$169,306 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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 New York 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 Syracuse
Clinical Nuclear Medicine Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nuclear Medicine Technologist
5-10 yearsNuclear Medicine Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSyracuse ranks #2 of 38 New York cities for top earner nuclear medicine technologist salary (90th percentile: $169,306).
Top 10% nuclear medicine technologist compensation in Syracuse ($169,306) is 15.64% above the New York average P90 ($146,413).
2019 BLS Actual
$126,753
2025 BLS Actual
$161,305
2026 Current Est.
$169,306
2019–2027 Growth
+40.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,753 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,070 | Actual |
| 2021 | $126,561 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,839 | Actual |
| 2023 | $148,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $170,986 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,703 | Projected |
Top-earning nuclear medicine technologists (90th percentile) in Syracuse saw their compensation grow 27.3% from $126,753 in 2019 to $161,305 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 $177,703 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
The factors influencing senior nuclear medicine technologist pay in NY go beyond just years of service. Specializations in high-demand sectors like PET/CT—especially with a focus on oncology or pediatric medicine—command premium salaries. Compensation varies across different types of employers, with hospitals and outpatient imaging centers often providing distinct salary structures. For instance, those working in theranostics or at VA medical centers might find additional benefits in terms of pay scale. As technologists move up professionally, career pathways include roles such as lead nuclear medicine technologist, PET/CT supervisor, or radiation safety officer, which not only enhance earning potential but also open doors to leadership opportunities. Furthermore, possessing advanced credentials—such as those from JRCNMT or NMTCB—can result in heightened pay scales in Syracuse, reflecting the growing significance of cross-training and specialization within the field.
More salary data for Syracuse, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nuclear medicine technologists make in Syracuse in 2026?
What drives higher nuclear medicine technologist pay in Syracuse?
What certifications boost nuclear medicine technologist salary in Syracuse?
Can experienced nuclear medicine technologists make six figures in Syracuse?
How much does nuclear medicine technologist salary increase over time in Syracuse?
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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 $161,305 for nuclear medicine technologists in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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