Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $95.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in San Francisco, CA runs $95.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $199,204 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $119,528 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, a nuclear medicine technologist in San Francisco, CA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $95.78. This figure is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $51.15, showcasing the premium for this profession in the Bay Area. For workers in typical settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites, this rate translates favorably for both part-time positions—such as those working three days per week—and per-diem schedules. Entry-level technologists can expect to make around $68.82 per hour, while more experienced professionals or those in high-demand areas can earn up to $103.42 per hour, reflecting the competitive landscape for roles within this field.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68.82 | $550.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86.49 | $691.90 |
| Median (P50) | $95.78 | $766.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.46 | $795.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.42 | $827.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $95.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $95.78/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $199,214 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $114,931. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,831.04 | $16,601 | $199,214 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,298.62 | $9,961 | $119,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,532.42 | $6,640 | $79,686 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (San Francisco) | $95.78 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $199,204 per year (2026 est.), which is 87.23% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 13.00% above the California state average of $176,286.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $95.78/hr = $119,528/year (purchasing power: $103,387).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $199,214/year (purchasing power: $172,311).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$91.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$95.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in San Francisco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $79.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $85.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $87.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $91.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in San Francisco grew 51.9% from $60.06/hr (2019) to $91.25/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $100.53/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists working in San Francisco, earning an hourly rate of $95.78 translates to substantial annual compensation, even when clocking just 24 hours a week—effectively yielding a significant secondary income. Per diem workers, often billing between $55 and $80 per hour, enjoy flexible schedules that cater to their lifestyle needs. This sector sees greater earnings for PET/CT techs, especially in outpatient oncology centers where wages range from $65 to $95 per hour, depending on the facility and specialty. Various types of employers also impact pay, with healthcare facilities like VA centers and mobile imaging companies offering different compensation structures. The balance between pursuing higher hourly rates without benefits versus securing steady employment with medical insurance is a crucial consideration for many. Furthermore, professionals should come prepared with negotiation strategies tailored to the San Francisco market, leveraging their expertise and the growing demand for therapeutics like lutetium-177 therapies offered in theranostics centers.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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