Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $84.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Apple Valley, CA runs $84.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,080 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $84.20, notably higher than the national median of $51.15. This substantial difference makes the profession particularly lucrative for those considering part-time or per-diem positions. Working three days a week could translate into significant earnings for part-time technologists operating in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. The hourly rate ranges from $62.26 for entry-level positions to $108.99 for experienced technologists. These figures, derived from estimated annual salaries, reflect the demand and specialization within the profession, with facilities often seeking skilled personnel in cardiac stress testing, theranostics infusion suites, and mobile PET trailers.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62.26 | $498.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74.51 | $596.09 |
| Median (P50) | $84.20 | $673.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.27 | $770.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.99 | $871.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $84.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.20/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $175,134 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,039. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,367.96 | $14,594 | $175,134 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,020.77 | $8,757 | $105,080 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,347.18 | $5,838 | $70,053 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Apple Valley) | $84.20 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $175,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 64.60% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.70% below the California state average of $176,365.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.20/hr = $105,080/year (purchasing power: $92,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,134/year (purchasing power: $154,849).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Apple Valley grew 30.0% from $61.69/hr (2019) to $80.22/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem nuclear medicine technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.96% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Nuclear Medicine Technologist in Apple Valley
When assessing the earning potential of nuclear medicine technologists in Apple Valley, those opting for part-time schedules may see various benefits. A technician working 24 hours weekly could take home an approximate annual income comparable to full-time individuals, albeit with advantages such as flexibility. In terms of per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Apple Valley, many professionals charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialists in fields like PET/CT often earning $65 to $95, while those with expertise in theranostics, such as lutetium-177 therapies, can command even higher rates. Hourly pay can significantly vary based on employer type, with hospitals typically offering unique benefits while outpatient centers may provide higher pay but lacking in benefits. Therefore, when negotiating hourly rates, it's crucial to weigh the importance of benefits against higher premiums in private settings, where one might earn rates exceeding $85 an hour without health insurance.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Apple Valley?
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How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Apple Valley?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for nuclear medicine technologists in Apple Valley. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Apple Valley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nuclear medicine technologists (SOC 29-2033).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov