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Healthcare career
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Also called: Nuclear Medicine Tech · PET Technologist · CNMT · Molecular Imaging Technologist
What nuclear medicine technologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a nuclear medicine technologist do?
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and give radioactive drugs to patients and operate imaging equipment that shows how organs and tissues function. The median pay is $101,370 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–4 years, and employment is projected to grow +4.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$101,370$48.74/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.4%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2–4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs17,400Employment, 2025
What nuclear medicine technologists do
Nuclear medicine technologists image how the body works, not just how it looks. They prepare radiopharmaceuticals, give them by injection or mouth, operate gamma cameras and PET/CT scanners, monitor patients and follow strict radiation safety rules. Scans help diagnose cancer, heart disease, thyroid problems and more; some technologists help with radioactive treatments.
Most have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology and certification. Pay is high for the education required.
Typical duties
- Prepare radioactive drugs
- Give tracers to patients
- Operate gamma cameras and PET scanners
- Position patients for imaging
- Follow radiation safety rules
- Process images for physicians
- Keep records of radioactive materials
Work environment and schedule
Technologists work in hospitals and imaging centers.
Schedule: Most work full-time days, with some on-call shifts.
A day in the life
- Calibrate equipment and check doses.
- Inject a patient for a cardiac stress scan.
- Run a PET/CT scan for cancer staging.
- Do a bone scan.
See a full day in the life of a nuclear medicine technologist →
Nuclear Medicine Technologist salary
Half of nuclear medicine technologists earned more than $101,370 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $78,080 for the lowest 10% to $134,500 for the top 10%.
Full nuclear medicine technologist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a nuclear medicine technologist
- Take science and math
- Complete an accredited program
- Complete clinical training
- Earn certification
- Specialize
An associate or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology is typical, plus national certification.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a nuclear medicine technologist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Radiopharmaceutical handling
- Gamma camera operation
- PET/CT imaging
- Radiation safety
- IV injection
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Calm demeanor
- Organization
All nuclear medicine technologist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay for a two-year degree
- Advanced imaging technology
- Patient contact
- Specialized skills
Cons
- Radiation safety demands
- Early starts
- Limited openings
- Precise timing pressure
Certifications and licenses
- CNMT (NMTCB): Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
- ARRT Nuclear Medicine: Alternative credential.
- PET specialty certification: Advanced credential.
- State license: Required in many states.
Career path
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Perform scans.
- PET Specialist: Advanced imaging.
- Lead Technologist: Lead the department.
- Imaging Manager: Manage services.
Learn the job before day one
Our Nuclear Medicine Technologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as prepare and verify a dose and run a PET/CT scan, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Nuclear Medicine Tech vs. Rad Tech · Nuclear Medicine Tech vs. Radiologist · Nuclear Medicine Tech vs. MRI Tech · Nuclear Medicine Tech vs. Radiation Therapist
Nuclear Medicine Technologist FAQ
Is nuclear medicine safe?
Yes, with strict radiation safety procedures.
Do technologists need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
What’s the difference from radiology?
Nuclear medicine images function using tracers; radiology mostly images structure.
How much does a nuclear medicine technologist make?
The median annual wage for nuclear medicine technologists was $101,370 ($48.74 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $78,080 and the highest 10% earned more than $134,500.
How long does it take to become a nuclear medicine technologist?
Most people need about 2–4 years of training. An associate or bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology is typical, plus national certification.
Do you need a degree to be a nuclear medicine technologist?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More nuclear medicine technologist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2033 (Nuclear medicine technologists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Nuclear medicine technologists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.