Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Rialto, CA: $86.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Rialto, CA runs $86.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $179,537 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Rialto's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,726 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rialto, California, nuclear medicine technologists can expect to receive a median hourly pay of $86.32, significantly higher than the national median of $51.15. This hourly rate opens up attractive opportunities for part-time professionals working three days a week in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. Per-diem roles, which are quite common in this field, can also be lucrative. The hourly wage spans from $63.24 for entry-level positions to $115.05 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the varied experience and specialized training among technologists. This compensation structure provides flexibility for professionals in Rialto, allowing individuals to balance work and personal life while being well-compensated for their expertise.
About the Rialto 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) | $63.24 | $505.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.01 | $568.04 |
| Median (P50) | $86.32 | $690.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.06 | $800.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.05 | $920.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rialto
Based on $86.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.32/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rialto, CA can expect to earn approximately $179,544 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $103,583. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rialto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rialto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,452.76 | $14,962 | $179,544 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,071.66 | $8,977 | $107,726 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,381.11 | $5,985 | $71,817 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Rialto) | $86.32 |
| 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 Rialto, CA earn a median of $179,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 68.74% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.80% above the California state average of $176,363.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.32/hr = $107,726/year (purchasing power: $95,249).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $179,544/year (purchasing power: $158,748).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Rialto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Rialto grew 30.0% from $63.24/hr (2019) to $82.24/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $90.60/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 Rialto 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 Rialto
The financial prospects for nuclear medicine technologists differ greatly when considering part-time versus full-time commitments. A part-time technologist working 24 hours a week could earn around $67,913 annually, making it a solid option for those preferring a flexible schedule. Conversely, per-diem nuclear medicine technologists typically command a pay rate between $55-$80 per hour, while highly specialized PET/CT technologists might reach $65-$95 an hour at outpatient oncology centers. Factors such as employer type also influence compensation, with hospital departments, VA medical centers, and theranostics facilities offering various competitive rates. Some professionals may opt for positions with lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits, underscoring the importance of weighing financial and health insurance options. Effective negotiation strategies can further enhance earning potential for those working hourly in Rialto, particularly by understanding market rates and leveraging specialized skills in an evolving field.
More salary data for Rialto, 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 Rialto. 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 Rialto 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