Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment.
Is nuclear medicine technologists a good career?
It scores 22/100 and ranks #262 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($101,370 vs $61,390)
Possible tradeoffs
- No notable tradeoffs stand out in the wage and projection data.
What nuclear medicine technologists earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. nuclear medicine technologists earn between $86,720 and $117,120 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live nuclear medicine technologists jobs
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- Typical education
- Associate's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow as fast as average through 2034.
Education
High school students interested in nuclear medicine technology should take courses in math and sciences, including biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physics.
Nuclear medicine technologists typically need an associate’s degree in nuclear medicine technology to enter the occupation. Bachelor’s degrees also are common. Some technologists complete an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program in a related health field, such as radiologic technology or nursing, followed by a 12-month certificate program in nuclear medicine technology.
Nuclear medicine technology programs often include courses in human anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, radioactive drugs, and computer science. In addition, these programs include clinical experience—practice under the supervision of a certified nuclear medicine technologist and a physician or surgeon who specializes in nuclear medicine.
Graduating from an accredited nuclear medicine program may be required for licensure or by an employer.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Most nuclear medicine technologists become certified. Although certification is not required for a license, it fulfills most of the requirements for state licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state. For specific requirements, contact the state’s health board.
Some employers require certification, regardless of state regulations. Certification usually involves graduating from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program.
In addition to receiving general certification, technologists may earn specialty certifications that show their proficiency in procedures or equipment. A technologist must pass an exam offered by the NMTCB to earn certification in positron emission tomography (PET), nuclear cardiology (NCT), or computed tomography (CT).
Technologists also may be required to have one or more other certifications, such as in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS), or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Important qualities
Ability to use technology. Nuclear medicine technologists work with computers and large pieces of electronic equipment and must be comfortable operating them.
Analytical skills. Nuclear medicine technologists must understand anatomy, physiology, and other sciences to assess whether dosage is accurate.
Compassion. Nuclear medicine technologists must be able to reassure patients who are stressed or upset.
Detail oriented. Nuclear medicine technologists must follow instructions precisely to ensure correct dosage and prevent overexposure to radiation.
Interpersonal skills. Nuclear medicine technologists interact with patients and often work as part of a team. They must be able to communicate effectively with their supervising physician.
Physical stamina. Nuclear medicine technologists must stand for long periods and be able to lift and move patients who need help.
Related occupations
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make?
The national median wage is $101,370 a year, with the middle half earning between $86,720 and $117,120 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is nuclear medicine technologists a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 22 of 100 and ranks #262 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +3.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a nuclear medicine technologist?
The typical entry-level education is associate's degree.
Where do nuclear medicine technologists earn the most?
Among states, California pays the highest median ($162,380). Local pay for every state and metro is below.