Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $100.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in San Jose, CA runs $100.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $208,818 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $90.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $125,292 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Jose, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $100.39, significantly outpacing the national median of $51.15. This competitive pay reflects the complex skill set required in various healthcare settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. Part-time nuclear medicine technologists working three days a week can expect substantial take-home earnings, with hourly rates ranging from $77.85 for entry-level positions to $116.95 for those at the top of their field. Official BLS data indicates a range of pay that caters to both new entrants and seasoned professionals, confirming San Jose as a lucrative locale for nuclear medicine technologists.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77.85 | $622.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94.48 | $755.88 |
| Median (P50) | $100.39 | $803.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.59 | $868.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.95 | $935.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $100.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $100.39/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $208,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $120,473. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $4,015.77 | $17,402 | $208,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,409.46 | $10,441 | $125,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,606.31 | $6,961 | $83,528 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (San Jose) | $100.39 |
| 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 Jose, CA earn a median of $208,818 per year (2026 est.), which is 96.26% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 18.50% above the California state average of $176,218.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $100.39/hr = $125,292/year (purchasing power: $113,466).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $208,820/year (purchasing power: $189,109).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$57.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$95.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$100.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+82.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $70.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $73.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $92.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $88.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $95.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in San Jose grew 65.5% from $57.80/hr (2019) to $95.65/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $105.37/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 Jose 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 Jose
The earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists working 24 hours a week can lead to approximately $117,000 annually, a figure that highlights the attractive compensation in this field while working fewer hours. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists often find themselves charging rates between $55 and $80 per hour, while those specialized in PET/CT at outpatient oncology centers can command between $65 and $95 per hour. The pay varies by employer type, with institutions such as hospital nuclear medicine departments typically offering stability and benefits, albeit often at lower rates compared to agencies or mobile PET imaging companies. Additionally, the rapidly expanding theranostics sector, particularly with advanced treatments like Lutathera, plays a crucial role in driving salary increases. Many professionals must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that offer health insurance. Negotiation strategies can be key, and leveraging local market demand or specialized training may help in securing a more favorable hourly wage.
More salary data for San Jose, 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 Jose. 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