Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Escondido, CA: $87.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Escondido, CA runs $87.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $182,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Escondido's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $109,246 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay in Escondido, California, is projected at $87.54, significantly higher than the national median of $51.15. This hourly rate is beneficial for those in flexible roles, including part-time and per-diem positions. A nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week could earn a substantial wage while balancing their professional and personal commitments. Entry-level technologists can expect to make around $66.10 per hour, while top earners can command rates up to $115.75, showcasing a lucrative path for various experience levels in diverse work environments such as hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers.
About the Escondido 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) | $66.10 | $528.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.50 | $588.03 |
| Median (P50) | $87.54 | $700.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.19 | $809.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.75 | $926.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Escondido
Based on $87.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.54/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Escondido, CA can expect to earn approximately $182,076 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $105,044. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Escondido.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Escondido
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,501.47 | $15,173 | $182,076 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,100.88 | $9,104 | $109,246 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,400.59 | $6,069 | $72,830 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Escondido) | $87.54 |
| 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 Escondido, CA earn a median of $182,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 71.14% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 3.30% above the California state average of $176,270.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.54/hr = $109,246/year (purchasing power: $96,592).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $182,076/year (purchasing power: $160,987).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Escondido (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Escondido grew 30.0% from $64.13/hr (2019) to $83.40/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.88/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 Escondido 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 Escondido
Exploring the local job market reveals distinct earning potentials for part-time workers versus their full-time counterparts. A nuclear medicine technologist working just 24 hours a week could still take home a considerable income, potentially exceeding $135,000 annually. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Escondido typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, while those specializing in PET/CT imaging might see rates rise to between $65 and $95 per hour. Institutions like quaternary cancer centers often offer attractive premiums for theranostics-trained professionals. However, technologists must weigh the trade-off between hourly wage and benefits, with some opting for positions that provide health insurance despite lower hourly compensation. When negotiating pay, understanding the local market and emphasizing additional qualifications can be key to securing a competitive rate in Escondido's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Escondido, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Escondido in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Escondido?
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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 Escondido. 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 Escondido 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