Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $46.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Smyrna, DE runs $46.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,682 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,413 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, a nuclear medicine technologist can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $46.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.15. This disparity reflects the economic landscape of the region and indicates the earning potential for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings, such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress test rooms. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start at around $38.70, while more experienced technologists can command up to $57.17 per hour, highlighting the diverse earning possibilities within this field. These figures, derived from estimated annual salary data, underscore the important role that nuclear medicine technologists play in the healthcare system, particularly as demand grows in specialized areas like theranostics and PET/CT imaging.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.70 | $309.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.97 | $327.73 |
| Median (P50) | $46.00 | $368.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.73 | $413.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.17 | $457.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $46.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.00/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $95,688 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,205. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,840.16 | $7,974 | $95,688 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,104.10 | $4,784 | $57,413 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $736.06 | $3,190 | $38,275 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Smyrna) | $46.00 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $95,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.07% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $103,328.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.00/hr = $57,413/year (purchasing power: $56,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,688/year (purchasing power: $94,089).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Smyrna grew 30.0% from $33.70/hr (2019) to $43.83/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.29/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
For a nuclear medicine technologist working part-time at 24 hours a week, their annual income would significantly differ from those in full-time positions, primarily due to the limited number of hours worked. Typically, part-time professionals may bring home around $57,120 per year, while full-time counterparts can earn considerably more. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists often find themselves in a favorable position, with pay rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour; those specializing in PET/CT at outpatient oncology centers can earn between $65 and $95 per hour, reflecting a high demand for these skills. The hourly rates can vary depending on the employer, as hospital nuclear medicine departments and mobile imaging companies may offer different compensation packages. Some technologists may choose positions with lower hourly pay for benefits such as health insurance, weighing the pros and cons of each option. Negotiation tactics can greatly influence pay, especially in Smyrna, where understanding local market trends can empower technologists to secure better rates.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Smyrna in 2026?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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