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Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in the United States

How much does a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the United States is $157,406 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $171,339
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,284 to $164,699
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,248
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salaries

A Chief Nuclear Medicine 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 Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Chief Nuclear Medicine 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 Technologist (0-2 years): $97,568
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Sr. (2-4 years): $109,005
  • Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Supervisor (3-5 years): $153,207
  • Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist (5+ years): $157,406
  • Nuclear Medicine Director (5+ years): $173,437
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Nuclear Medicine Technologist0-2 years$97,568
Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Sr.2-4 years$109,005
Nuclear Laboratory Technologist Supervisor3-5 years$153,207
Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist5+ years$157,406
Nuclear Medicine Director5+ years$173,437
View as Graph

How Do Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $174,280.
  • California: $173,619.
  • Massachusetts: $171,305.

Top Paying Cities for Chief Nuclear Medicine 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: $198,536
  • San Francisco: $196,362
  • Oakland: $192,224

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $167,069. While startup companies pay approximate $142,274.

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $142,274
Growth Stage 51~500 $150,224
Established 501~5000 $161,569
Enterprise 5000+ $167,069

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Chief Nuclear Medicine 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, Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$173,147$83.010%

How Education impacts a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist's Salary?

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

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $109,748 and $117,043.

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Chief Nuclear Medicine 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%
View as Graph

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Chief Nuclear Medicine 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 September 01, 2026
$145,284
Average $157,406/year
$164,699
$12,107
Average $13,117/month
$13,725
$2,794
Average $3,027/week
$3,167
$70
Average $76/hour
$79
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $164,699 $13,725 $3,167 $79
Average $157,406 $13,117 $3,027 $76
25th Percentile $145,284 $12,107 $2,794 $70

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary Growth & Career Path

Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Next Role

For a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Nuclear Medicine Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $173,437 - a projected growth of 10% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

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

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FAQ about Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist

1. Where can a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist earn the most?

A Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist is $198,536.

2. What is the highest pay for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

The highest pay for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist is $171,339.

3. What is the lowest pay for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

The lowest pay for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist is $134,248.

4. What are the responsibilities of Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

Provides administrative oversight for the nuclear medical technology department of a hospital. Reviews, develops and implements technical policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, quality and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Supervises nuclear medicine technologists, and may perform the functions of a technologist as needed. Ensures proper usage, maintenance and updates of medical equipment. Requires a bachelor's degree. Requires American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification. Typically requires Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) Certification. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1-3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist?

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

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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