Nuclear Medicine Technologists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Nuclear Medicine Technologists fall under the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical category in the U.S. occupational classification. Nuclear Medicine Technologists earn a median salary of $101,370 per year, ranking in the top 16% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.4% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do nuclear medicine technologists earn?

The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists is $101,370. That puts nuclear medicine technologists at #131 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is nuclear medicine technologists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for nuclear medicine technologists is +4.4%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 17K positions in 2024 to 18K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do nuclear medicine technologists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working nuclear medicine technologists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
2. 2.Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
3. 3.Record and process results of procedures.
4. 4.Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
5. 5.Gather information on patients' illnesses and medical history to guide the choice of diagnostic procedures for therapy.
6. 6.Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
7. 7.Measure glandular activity, blood volume, red cell survival, or radioactivity of patient, using scanners, Geiger counters, scintillometers, or other laboratory equipment.
8. 8.Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.

Top skills for nuclear medicine technologists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become nuclear medicine technologist?

Entry into nuclear medicine technologists typically requires an associate degree or accredited postsecondary certificate, often coupled with state licensing exams or clinical hours. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Occupational Therapists
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• Genetic Counselors
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• Dental Hygienists
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• Speech-Language Pathologists
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• Registered Nurses
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• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
  $96,590 median

Common questions parents ask about nuclear medicine technologists