Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $86.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Corona, CA runs $86.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $179,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Corona, California, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $86.37, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $51.15. This robust hourly pay reflects the specialized skills required in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a solid income, particularly when considering the flexibility of scheduling. Entry-level technologists may earn around $63.28 per hour, while the top earners can see compensation as high as $120.55 per hour. These figures provide valuable insights into the earning potential for those exploring careers in nuclear medicine technology within California's competitive healthcare market.
About the Corona 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) | $63.28 | $506.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.11 | $568.88 |
| Median (P50) | $86.37 | $690.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98.31 | $786.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120.55 | $964.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $86.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.37/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $179,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $103,646. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,454.86 | $14,971 | $179,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,072.92 | $8,983 | $107,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,381.95 | $5,988 | $71,861 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Corona) | $86.37 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $179,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 68.85% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.90% above the California state average of $176,301.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.37/hr = $107,792/year (purchasing power: $95,307).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $179,653/year (purchasing power: $158,844).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Corona grew 30.0% from $63.28/hr (2019) to $82.29/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $90.66/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 Corona 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 Corona
Looking at part-time and per-diem opportunities, working 24 hours a week translates to an annual take-home amount that can be quite appealing, especially compared to full-time commitments. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Corona typically charge between $55 to $80 per hour, while specialized PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology settings can command even higher rates, ranging from $65 to $95 per hour for their skills. The demand for theranostics-trained professionals, especially those skilled in therapies like Lutathera or Pluvicto, allows them to negotiate premium rates. Hourly wages differ among various employers in the area, from VA medical centers to mobile PET imaging companies, creating a dynamic pay structure based on the type of facility. For many, opting for a role with lower hourly pay but better benefits can balance out their overall compensation package, making it essential for technologists to weigh their options carefully when considering job offers in Corona, CA.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Corona?
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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 Corona. 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 Corona 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