Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Hawthorne, CA: $83.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Hawthorne, CA runs $83.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,181 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Hawthorne's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,504 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hawthorne, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $83.74, a significant figure that exceeds the national median of $51.15 per hour by over 63%. This elevated pay reflects the unique demands and skillsets required for this profession, particularly in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and innovative theranostics infusion suites. The hourly wage for these technologists spans from approximately $61.19 for entry-level positions (P10) to around $107.70 for top earners (P90), allowing flexibility for workers seeking part-time roles or per-diem opportunities. With technology advancements and rising health demands, those operating within mobile PET trailers or hot lab radiopharmacy areas can expect competitive compensation, reflecting the increasing significance of their roles.
About the Hawthorne 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) | $61.19 | $489.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.56 | $588.45 |
| Median (P50) | $83.74 | $669.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.07 | $760.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.70 | $861.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hawthorne
Based on $83.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.74/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hawthorne, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,173 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,485. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hawthorne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hawthorne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,349.48 | $14,514 | $174,173 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,009.69 | $8,709 | $104,504 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,339.79 | $5,806 | $69,669 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Hawthorne) | $83.74 |
| 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 Hawthorne, CA earn a median of $174,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 63.71% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.20% below the California state average of $176,297.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.74/hr = $104,504/year (purchasing power: $92,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,173/year (purchasing power: $153,999).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hawthorne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Hawthorne grew 30.0% from $61.35/hr (2019) to $79.78/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.89/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 Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne
Part-time nuclear medicine technologists working three days a week can anticipate an annual income that varies significantly depending on their employment situation. For example, someone working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate could earn around $104,000 annually, which underscores the lucrative nature of part-time work in this field compared to typical full-time salaries. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hawthorne typically falls within a range of $55 to $80 per hour for general positions, with specialized PET/CT technologists at oncology centers earning up to $95 per hour. Variability in hourly compensation often corresponds with employer types; for instance, technologists in VA medical centers may receive different payment structures compared to those in outpatient settings specializing in theranostics, such as Lutathera therapies. As professionals weigh their options, negotiating benefits versus higher pay is crucial, particularly when considering that some facilities offer robust health insurance packages alongside slightly lower hourly rates. Those in Hawthorne should be prepared to advocate for their worth, utilizing local market data to support their salary expectations.
More salary data for Hawthorne, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Hawthorne in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Hawthorne?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Hawthorne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Hawthorne?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hawthorne?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne 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