Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $84.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Murrieta, CA runs $84.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $175,919 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,552 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear medicine technologists in Murrieta, California enjoy a competitive hourly rate of $84.58, significantly surpassing the national median of $51.15. This elevated pay can be particularly advantageous for those looking to work part-time in this field, such as those who opt for a 3-day workweek in various settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For part-time positions, the earning potential remains robust, with experienced technicians able to approach top-tier rates while entry-level workers may find themselves starting in the lower end of the hourly pay scale, generally between $65.90 and $114.48. With a projected hourly rate range reflecting diverse experience levels and specialization, nuclear medicine technologists are well-positioned in Murrieta's healthcare landscape.
About the Murrieta 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) | $65.90 | $527.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72.55 | $580.39 |
| Median (P50) | $84.58 | $676.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101.21 | $809.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.48 | $915.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $84.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.58/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $175,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,492. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,383.07 | $14,660 | $175,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,029.84 | $8,796 | $105,552 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,353.23 | $5,864 | $70,368 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Murrieta) | $84.58 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $175,919 per year (2026 est.), which is 65.34% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.20% below the California state average of $176,272.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.58/hr = $105,552/year (purchasing power: $93,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $175,920/year (purchasing power: $155,543).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Murrieta grew 30.0% from $61.96/hr (2019) to $80.58/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $88.77/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
Considering the earning potential for nuclear medicine technologists working three days per week, those with a 24-hour work schedule could see their annual income considerably differ from full-time practitioners. Part-time workers, for instance, would have an annual income fluctuating based on their hours, potentially around $105,990 if they work consistently throughout the year. Meanwhile, per diem nuclear medicine technologists’ hourly pay in Murrieta can vary widely—usually falling between $55 and $95, depending on their expertise and the type of facility they serve. PET/CT specialists working in outpatient oncology centers often command higher pay, reflecting the increasing demand for such skills. Moreover, whether employed by hospitals, outpatient facilities, or mobile imaging companies, the compensation can significantly shift based on the employer type. While some professionals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly wages without the safety net of benefits, allowing for flexibility and potentially higher take-home pay. Understanding the local employment landscape and negotiating effectively can empower technologists to secure favorable hourly rates in Murrieta.
More salary data for Murrieta, 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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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