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Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist in the United States is $125,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

However, a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $136,972
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,100 to $131,600
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $107,360
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View as table View as graph 25% $116,100 10% $107,360 90% $136,972 75% $131,600 $125,700 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $131,600 $10,967 $2,531 $63
Average $125,700 $10,475 $2,417 $60
25th Percentile $116,100 $9,675 $2,233 $56
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Key Factors That Influence Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salaries

A Head Nuclear Medical Technologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Nuclear Medicine Lab Technologist (0-2 years): $97,569
  • Nuclear Medicine Lab Senior Technologist (2-4 years): $109,009
  • Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Leader (3-5 years): $109,385
  • Head Nuclear Medical Technologist (5+ years): $125,617
  • Nuclear Medical Services Director (5+ years): $148,731
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Nuclear Medicine Lab Technologist0-2 years$97,569
Nuclear Medicine Lab Senior Technologist2-4 years$109,009
Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Leader3-5 years$109,385
Head Nuclear Medical Technologist5+ years$125,617
Nuclear Medical Services Director5+ years$148,731
$97,569 Nuclear M...
$109,009 Nuclear M...
$109,385 Nuclear L...
$125,617 Head Nucl...
$148,731 Nuclear M...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Head Nuclear Medical Technologists

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $158,500
  • San Francisco: $156,800
  • Oakland: $153,500

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $133,333. While startup companies pay approximate $113,618.

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$113,618
Growth Stage51~500$119,939
Established501~5000$128,973
Enterprise5000+$133,333

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Head Nuclear Medical Technologist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Head Nuclear Medical Technologist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Head Nuclear Medical Technologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$138,270$66.010%

How Education impacts a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Head Nuclear Medical Technologists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $108,982 and $116,070).

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 5.6%
High School 5.6%
Associates 22.2%
Bachelors 55.6%
Masters 16.7%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026

Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Nuclear Medical Services Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $148,800 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Salary Trends for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist

Salaries for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $105,340 in 2023 to around $105,454 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Head Nuclear Medical Technologist salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$105,340
2024
$106,262
2025
$105,454
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $105,340
2024 $106,262
2025 $105,454
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist

Here are companies hiring for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Head Nuclear Medical Technologist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Head Nuclear Medical Technologist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
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FAQ about Head Nuclear Medical Technologist

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist?

The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Head Nuclear Medical Technologist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Which medical field has the highest salary?

The Head Nuclear Medical Technologist role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $102,700, a mid-range of $116,000, and a maximum of $129,400. While various medical fields have high earning potential, this position stands out for its specialized expertise and significant compensation within the healthcare sector.

3. What technologist makes the most money?

The Head Nuclear Medical Technologist is among the top-paying tech careers, with a salary range from $102,700 to $129,400. The average salary is approximately $116,000, making it a lucrative position in the medical technology field.

4. Is nuclear medicine tech stressful?

Nuclear medicine technologists often face interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges that can lead to psychological stress. Reports indicate that they experience work-related stress 2–4 times per week. Given the demanding nature of the role, it's important to consider the financial aspect as well, with salaries ranging from $102,700 to $129,400, reflecting the expertise required in this specialty.

5. What is the highest paid nuclear medicine?

The highest paid position in nuclear medicine is the Nuclear Medicine Physician, with an annual salary of $253,148. Other top-paying roles include Nuclear Pharmacy Manager at $129,016, and Nuclear Medicine Supervisor at $115,106. For a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist, salaries range from $102,700 to $129,400, with a mid-salary of $116,000.

6. What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?

Nuclear medicine technologists perform tests for diagnosis and medical research. They prepare and administer small doses of radioactive drugs (radiopharmaceuticals) to patients, then use advanced imaging equipment to capture images of the radioactive material in the body. The salary for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist ranges from $102,700 to $129,400, with a median of $116,000.

7. How many nuclear medicine technologists are there in the US?

There are currently 21,614 active certified nuclear medicine technologists in the US, with over 600 more taking the exam annually. The salary for a Head Nuclear Medical Technologist ranges from $102,700 to $129,400, with a median salary of $116,000, reflecting the demand and expertise in this specialized field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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