Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Citrus Heights, CA: $84.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Citrus Heights, CA runs $84.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Citrus Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,316 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Citrus Heights, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly pay of $84.39, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $51.15. This competitive rate provides a strong incentive for part-time workers, such as those who might be employed three days a week, as they can effectively manage their schedules while benefiting from a lucrative hourly wage. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Citrus Heights typically ranges from $62.70 to $109.82, making the sector appealing for those looking to work in various settings — from hospital nuclear medicine suites to mobile PET trailers. The hourly wages reflect the demand and complexity of the roles, with entry-level positions starting at around $62.70, while seasoned professionals can command hourly rates near $109.82, showcasing a clear pathway for career advancement in this field.
About the Citrus Heights 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) | $62.70 | $501.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69.84 | $558.72 |
| Median (P50) | $84.39 | $675.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.58 | $772.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.82 | $878.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Citrus Heights
Based on $84.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.39/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Citrus Heights, CA can expect to earn approximately $175,527 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,265. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Citrus Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Citrus Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,375.51 | $14,627 | $175,527 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,025.31 | $8,776 | $105,316 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,350.21 | $5,851 | $70,211 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Citrus Heights) | $84.39 |
| 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 Citrus Heights, CA earn a median of $175,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 64.97% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.40% below the California state average of $176,226.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.39/hr = $105,316/year (purchasing power: $93,118).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,527/year (purchasing power: $155,196).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Citrus Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Citrus Heights grew 30.0% from $61.82/hr (2019) to $80.40/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.57/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 Citrus Heights 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 Citrus Heights
Assessing the potential earnings of a part-time nuclear medicine technologist in Citrus Heights reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income well above that of a full-time worker earning the national average. As per-diem roles gain popularity, nuclear medicine technologists often charge around $55-$80 per hour, with PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology settings fetching $65-$95 per hour. At high-demand theranostics centers where patients receive advanced treatments like lutetium-177 therapies, skilled technologists may receive even higher pay. Employers such as VA medical centers and local hospitals dictate hourly wages, leading to variability based on the setting and the specific services offered. Additionally, professionals must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits against employment opportunities that offer a steadier income and comprehensive health packages, emphasizing the importance of negotiating effectively for both pay and perks in the Citrus Heights market.
More salary data for Citrus Heights, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Citrus Heights. 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 Citrus Heights 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