Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $79.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Long Beach, CA runs $79.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $164,713 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $70.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $98,832 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Long Beach, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $79.19, significantly higher than the national average of $51.15. This impressive hourly pay reflects the advanced skills and specialized training required in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. For part-time workers, those clocking in three days a week could expect to net around $61,648 annually, while per-diem roles provide flexibility and different pay structures, typically ranging from $55.74 to $112.88 per hour, depending on experience and workplace specialization. The hourly earnings show a broad spectrum in Long Beach, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $55.74 and experienced technologists in high-demand areas earning up to $112.88. Such financial prospects highlight the lucrative opportunities within this field, especially for professionals ready to adapt to the evolving landscape of nuclear medicine.
About the Long Beach 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) | $55.74 | $445.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.37 | $546.97 |
| Median (P50) | $79.19 | $633.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.86 | $766.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.88 | $903.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $79.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $79.19/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $164,720 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $95,031. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,167.69 | $13,727 | $164,720 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,900.62 | $8,236 | $98,832 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,267.08 | $5,491 | $65,888 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Long Beach) | $79.19 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $164,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 54.81% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 6.60% below the California state average of $176,352.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $79.19/hr = $98,832/year (purchasing power: $87,385).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $164,720/year (purchasing power: $145,641).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$75.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$79.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $59.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $63.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $75.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach grew 30.0% from $58.02/hr (2019) to $75.45/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $83.12/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Part-time nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach have solid earning potential, particularly if working 24 hours a week. Over a year, this schedule can yield approximately $61,648, significantly less than the salary of full-time colleagues, though it still provides a reasonable income for those balancing other responsibilities. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Long Beach draws attention as well, where professionals often bill hourly rates between $55 and $80. Highly specialized PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology might see rates soar to $95, especially in theranostics settings, reflecting the growing emphasis on advanced treatments. Differences in hourly compensation are evident across various employer types; for instance, hospital departments may offer stability but often for lower pay compared to thriving private practices and cutting-edge theranostics centers. Professionals often face a trade-off between the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits and more secure roles that include comprehensive health coverage. For those negotiating pay, it’s crucial to communicate specific experience and training—particularly in lucrative specialties—to secure a competitive hourly wage.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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