Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in West Covina, CA: $84.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in West Covina, CA runs $84.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against West Covina's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,997 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in West Covina, CA, enjoy a substantial hourly pay of $84.93, significantly exceeding the national average of $51.15 per hour. This figure reflects their expertise and the demand for their services in various medical settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For part-time workers, typically clocking in around three days a week, this level of pay can translate into a stable income while allowing for a balanced work-life arrangement. The hourly rate ranges from approximately $66.65 for entry-level positions to over $115.63 for top earners, providing opportunities across experience levels in this specialized field.
About the West Covina 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) | $66.65 | $533.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.28 | $586.26 |
| Median (P50) | $84.93 | $679.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.82 | $774.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115.63 | $925.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Covina
Based on $84.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.93/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Covina, CA can expect to earn approximately $176,662 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,920. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Covina.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Covina
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,397.35 | $14,722 | $176,662 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,038.41 | $8,833 | $105,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,358.94 | $5,889 | $70,665 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (West Covina) | $84.93 |
| 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 West Covina, CA earn a median of $176,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 66.04% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.20% above the California state average of $176,307.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.93/hr = $105,997/year (purchasing power: $93,720).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,662/year (purchasing power: $156,200).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$80.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in West Covina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $73.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $80.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in West Covina grew 30.0% from $62.22/hr (2019) to $80.92/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.15/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 West Covina 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 West Covina
When considering part-time roles, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week can earn roughly $105,000 annually, which contrasts sharply with the financial potential for full-time positions. Those opting for per-diem work face varying pay scales; while many may charge between $55 and $80 per hour, PET/CT technologists at outpatient oncology centers can command rates as high as $95 per hour, especially if they have experience in theranostics. Hourly rates often fluctuate based on the employer, with hospitals generally offering steadier pay and benefits, while outpatient clinics may provide more lucrative hourly compensation but without the same job security. Additionally, technologists must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates that lack health benefits and lower rates that provide coverage, often leading to complex negotiation considerations. Understanding the local job market in West Covina is crucial for technologists as they navigate potential earnings.
More salary data for West Covina, 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 West Covina. 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 West Covina 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