How the national numbers differ
1Radiologic Technologist has the edge on annual openings
Radiologic Technologist is at 13,000 annual openings, compared with 800 annual openings for Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists has the edge on median pay
Nuclear Medicine Technologists is at $101,370, compared with $80,110 for Radiologic Technologist.
Radiologic Technologist has the edge on projected growth
Radiologic Technologist is at 5% projected growth, compared with 4.4% projected growth for Nuclear Medicine Technologists.
53.4/ 100Nuclear Medicine Technologists
vs
67.7/ 100Radiologic Technologist
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Nuclear Medicine Technologists vs Radiologic Technologist
| Dimension | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Radiologic Technologist |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $101,370 | $80,110 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 83.6 percentile | 72.4 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 4.4% | 5% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 800 | 13,000 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 17,400 | 234,200 |
|---|
| How you qualify | An associate degree in nuclear medicine technology is typical. Some certificate routes build on an existing healthcare qualification. Check clinical training, certification eligibility, and state licensing requirements. | An associate degree with clinical training is typical. Check the program's full timeline, certification eligibility, and state licensing requirements before estimating when you can start paid work. |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. | BLS does not list a separate on-the-job training requirement. Employers may still provide orientation and role-specific training. |
| Schedules | Most work full time. Some settings require evenings, weekends, or on-call coverage. | Hospital imaging may require evening, weekend, or overnight coverage; outpatient schedules can differ. |
| Physical work | Standing and helping patients move are common. Handling radioactive materials requires protective procedures and exposure monitoring. | Long periods on your feet, patient positioning, and sometimes lifting or turning patients. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
