Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Salinas, CA: $86.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Salinas, CA runs $86.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $179,110 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Salinas's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $107,464 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salinas, California, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay is projected to reach $86.11 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $51.15. This compensation reflects the increasing demand for skilled technicians in various settings including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For those seeking part-time opportunities, working approximately three days a week could yield a substantial income, while per-diem positions in this field typically offer flexible options for experienced professionals. The hourly pay range for nuclear medicine technologists in Salinas extends from $62.77 for entry-level positions to around $119.93 for those at the top of their field, making it a lucrative career choice for individuals entering this growing sector.
About the Salinas 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) | $62.77 | $502.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70.59 | $564.68 |
| Median (P50) | $86.11 | $688.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102.88 | $823.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119.93 | $959.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salinas
Based on $86.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $86.11/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salinas, CA can expect to earn approximately $179,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $103,331. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salinas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salinas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,444.37 | $14,926 | $179,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,066.62 | $8,955 | $107,464 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,377.75 | $5,970 | $71,643 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Salinas) | $86.11 |
| 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 Salinas, CA earn a median of $179,110 per year (2026 est.), which is 68.34% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.60% above the California state average of $176,289.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $86.11/hr = $107,464/year (purchasing power: $95,017).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $179,107/year (purchasing power: $158,362).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$86.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Salinas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Salinas grew 30.0% from $63.09/hr (2019) to $82.04/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $90.38/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 Salinas 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 Salinas
Examining the potential earnings for a part-time nuclear medicine technologist in Salinas reveals intriguing insights. A technologist working a 24-hour week could anticipate an annual take-home pay that significantly enhances the overall salary experience compared to those in full-time roles. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Salinas often fluctuates between $55 and $80 per hour, with highly specialized PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology centers achieving rates between $65 and $95 due to their expertise. Additionally, those trained in theranostics can command top-end premiums, particularly in quaternary cancer centers. Hourly rates vary widely depending on the type of employer, with hospital nuclear medicine departments generally offering stable benefits, while outpatient centers and agencies provide premium pay without the same job security. As such, professionals must weigh the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits carefully. In negotiations, it is advisable for workers to emphasize their specialized training and experience to secure more favorable terms in this competitive market.
More salary data for Salinas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Salinas in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Salinas?
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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 Salinas. 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 Salinas 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