Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $88.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Irvine, CA runs $88.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $183,123 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $77.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $109,874 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $88.04. This rate significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $51.15, offering a compelling financial incentive for those in the profession. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this pay translates to a substantial income when balancing work within various healthcare settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. Entry-level technologists can expect to earn around $66.47 per hour, while top earners in the field can command up to $123.15 per hour. Such rates are primarily estimated from the projected annual salary data reflecting the competitive nature of nuclear medicine technology in this region.
About the Irvine 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) | $66.47 | $531.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74.57 | $596.59 |
| Median (P50) | $88.04 | $704.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106.89 | $855.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123.15 | $985.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $88.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $88.04/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $183,124 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $105,649. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,521.62 | $15,260 | $183,124 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,112.97 | $9,156 | $109,874 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,408.65 | $6,104 | $73,250 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Irvine) | $88.04 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $183,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 72.11% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 3.90% above the California state average of $176,249.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $88.04/hr = $109,874/year (purchasing power: $97,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $183,124/year (purchasing power: $161,913).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$64.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$88.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $65.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $70.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Irvine grew 30.0% from $64.50/hr (2019) to $83.88/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $92.41/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
For those considering part-time opportunities, a nuclear medicine technologist working a typical 24-hour week could anticipate annual earnings significantly reduced compared to their full-time counterparts, despite the high hourly wage. Per-diem formats are also quite common, with per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Irvine typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, particularly in outpatient oncology settings, where PET/CT techs can earn between $65 and $95. In contrast, theranostics-trained professionals at specialized quaternary cancer centers may command even higher premiums. Variability in hourly rates can also depend on employer types, from traditional hospital departments to innovative mobile PET imaging firms. Technologists must weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security of employment—with hospitals often providing health benefits that independent contractors do not receive. Effective negotiation skills play a crucial role in securing competitive pay in Irvine’s dynamic healthcare environment.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Irvine in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Irvine?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Irvine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Irvine?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Irvine?
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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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