Nuclear Medicine Technologists

SOC code 29-2033 · O*NET-SOC 29-2033.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Nuclear Medicine Technologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$101,370

a year

Hourly

$48.74

per hour

10th$78,080Median$101,37090th$134,500

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$105,160

$50.56 per hour

Middle 50%

$86,720 – $117,120

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$78,080 – $134,500

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

17,080

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $78,080; $37.54/hr
25th percentile: $86,720; $41.69/hr
Median percentile: $101,370; $48.74/hr
75th percentile: $117,120; $56.31/hr
90th percentile: $134,500; $64.66/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+3%

Growing about as fast as average

20,000

jobs in 2024

20,600

projected for 2034

About 600 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?

Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
Record and process results of procedures.
Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.

How to become a nuclear medicine technologist

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 63% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree63%
Bachelor's Degree22%
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate6%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%

Common questions

How much does a nuclear medicine technologist earn?

The national median is $101,370 a year. The full range runs from $78,080 at the 10th percentile to $134,500 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a nuclear medicine technologist without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is nuclear medicine technologist in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 3% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Speaking3.8/5
Reading Comprehension3.5/5
Writing3.5/5
Monitoring3.5/5
Science3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
Biology4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Physics3.9/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.8/5
Chemistry3.8/5
Computers and Electronics3.7/5
Mathematics3.7/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation.