Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Palo Alto, CA: $82.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Palo Alto, CA runs $82.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,877 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Palo Alto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,128 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Palo Alto, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $82.64 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $51.15. This premium reflects both the region's high cost of living and the growing demand for professionals in advanced imaging techniques. For those working part-time—typically around three days a week—this hourly rate translates to substantial weekly earnings that can benefit individuals seeking work-life balance or supplemental income. The hourly range for nuclear medicine technologists in Palo Alto spans from $65.25 at the entry-level to $112.36 for those at the top of the pay scale, illustrating that experience and specialization can greatly influence income potential in hospital settings, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile radiopharmacy units.
About the Palo Alto 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) | $65.25 | $522.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.28 | $570.23 |
| Median (P50) | $82.64 | $661.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.47 | $779.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.36 | $898.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palo Alto
Based on $82.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.64/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palo Alto, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,162. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Palo Alto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palo Alto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,305.40 | $14,323 | $171,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,983.24 | $8,594 | $103,128 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,322.16 | $5,729 | $68,752 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Palo Alto) | $82.64 |
| 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 Palo Alto, CA earn a median of $171,877 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.54% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.50% below the California state average of $176,284.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.64/hr = $103,128/year (purchasing power: $91,183).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,881/year (purchasing power: $151,972).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Palo Alto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Palo Alto grew 30.0% from $60.54/hr (2019) to $78.73/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.73/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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
The earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists who work a 24-hour week can yield impressive annual compensation compared to full-time roles, allowing for meaningful flexibility without sacrificing too much income. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Palo Alto typically falls between $55 and $80, with PET/CT specialists at outpatient oncology centers earning upwards of $65 to $95 per hour, especially those trained in emerging therapies like theranostics. Hourly rates can vary widely across different types of employers, with hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging services each offering distinct pay scales and benefits. Technologists may opt for lower hourly rates if they include benefits like health insurance, while those working in agency roles or locum positions might receive more per hour but miss out on job security. Negotiating hourly pay in Palo Alto can involve highlighting specialized skills, such as in PET/CT applications or theranostics, to enhance earning potential in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Palo Alto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Palo Alto in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Palo Alto?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Palo Alto paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Palo Alto?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Palo Alto?
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 Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto 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