Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $85.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Glendale, CA runs $85.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,357 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,416 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Glendale, California, nuclear medicine technologists boast a median hourly rate of $85.27, substantially higher than the national median of $51.15. This impressive pay rate positions them favorably, especially for part-time workers who might choose to work three days a week. For those opting for per-diem assignments in various settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, or theranostics infusion suites, the income can be particularly enticing. Entry-level technologists in Glendale can expect to earn around $67.17 per hour, while top earners reach approximately $117.05 per hour. These figures indicate a strong demand for nuclear medicine techs in the region, with hourly estimates derived from projected annual salaries reflecting the competitive landscape of this niche career.
About the Glendale 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) | $67.17 | $537.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.97 | $591.72 |
| Median (P50) | $85.27 | $682.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.86 | $806.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.05 | $936.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $85.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.27/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $177,361 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,323. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,410.78 | $14,780 | $177,361 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,046.47 | $8,868 | $106,416 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,364.31 | $5,912 | $70,944 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Glendale) | $85.27 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $177,357 per year (2026 est.), which is 66.69% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.60% above the California state average of $176,299.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.27/hr = $106,416/year (purchasing power: $94,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,361/year (purchasing power: $156,817).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Glendale grew 30.0% from $62.47/hr (2019) to $81.24/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.50/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Part-time nuclear medicine technologists working 24 hours a week can take home around $106,822 annually, compared to their full-time counterparts who earn significantly more. Many professionals in the field opt for either per-diem or agency work, with per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Glendale typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour. Moreover, those specializing in PET/CT typically command higher rates of $65 to $95 per hour, especially in outpatient oncology settings. Variability in hourly pay often stems from employer types; for instance, hospital departments, outpatient centers, and VA medical facilities may offer differing rates due to their budget constraints and benefits packages. Consequently, many technologists face a trade-off between the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits and the stability offered by full-time employment. In negotiations, it's wise for hourly workers in Glendale to emphasize their specialized skills in PET/CT and theranostics, given the growing demand in these areas, thereby potentially increasing their market value.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Glendale in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Glendale?
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How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Glendale?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Glendale?
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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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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