Nuclear Med Tech Salary

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.

$164,713
Median Annual Salary
$79.19/hr
Hourly Rate
$115,959
Entry Level (P10)
$234,799
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Rate in Long Beach, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Long Beach, CA nuclear medicine technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a nuclear medicine technologist in Long Beach earning $79.19/hr would make approximately $95,031 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $164,720 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$95,031Reduced (32 hr/wk)$126,708Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$164,720

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$633.54
per 8hr shift
$3,167.69
per week
$13,727
per month
$164,720
per year

Schedule Comparison in Long Beach

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing nuclear medicine technologist median salary in Long Beach ($164,713) with California average ($176,352) and the US national median ($106,398).Long Beach$164,713California Avg$176,352-6.60%US National$106,398+54.81%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach. Baseline $58.02/hr in 2025, projected to $83.12/hr by 2027.$53$62$71$79$882019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$58.02$59.24$58.62$63.49$68.85$75.61$75.45$79.19$83.12
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$58.02/hrActual
2020$59.24/hrActual
2021$58.62/hrActual
2022$63.49/hrActual
2023$68.85/hrActual
2024$75.61/hrActual
2025$75.45/hrActual
2026(current)$79.19/hrEstimated
2027$83.12/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach is $79.19/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.96% annual growth). Rates range from $55.74 at entry level (10th percentile) to $112.88 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 54.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Long Beach?

A part-time nuclear medicine technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Long Beach earns approximately $8,236/month, or $98,832/year at the median hourly rate of $79.19. Many nuclear medicine technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach paid hourly or salary?

The majority of nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach are paid hourly at a median rate of $79.19/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $164,720/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Long Beach?

A full-time nuclear medicine technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Long Beach earns approximately $164,720/year at the median hourly rate of $79.19. This is 54.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $234,800/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Long Beach?

Part-time and per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Long Beach sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $112.88/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by David Martinez, BS, CNMTData verified by Fatima Nasir, MS, CNMT

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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