Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $48.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $48.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,671 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,400 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Oak Lawn, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $48.40, slightly below the national median of $51.15. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into a consistent earning potential while allowing for flexibility and a balanced lifestyle. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists, often employed in various medical settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress test rooms, can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $37.97 for entry-level positions to $63.99 for those at the top of their field. This range indicates a healthy demand for skilled professionals in Oak Lawn, particularly as the annual growth rate for this occupation is projected at 4.96%, reflecting the rising importance of nuclear medicine in modern healthcare.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.97 | $303.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.65 | $325.21 |
| Median (P50) | $48.40 | $387.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.00 | $447.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.99 | $511.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $48.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.40/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,666 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,076. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,935.88 | $8,389 | $100,666 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,161.53 | $5,033 | $60,400 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $774.35 | $3,356 | $40,266 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Oak Lawn) | $48.40 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $100,671 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $103,359.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.40/hr = $60,400/year (purchasing power: $62,203).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,666/year (purchasing power: $103,672).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Oak Lawn grew 30.0% from $35.46/hr (2019) to $46.11/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.80/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Exploring the earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield an annual income of approximately $65,154, a viable option when compared to full-time roles. For those seeking more flexible income, per-diem nuclear medicine technologists in Oak Lawn could bill rates of $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized PET/CT technologists at outpatient oncology centers earning between $65 and $95 per hour. Employers vary widely in compensation structures; hospital nuclear medicine departments may offer lower rates with substantial benefits, while mobile imaging and quaternary cancer centers often present lucrative options that come without health insurance perks. Prospective technologists should weigh these factors carefully, particularly when negotiating their pay, as some positions may prioritize hourly rates over comprehensive benefits. Understanding the local job market dynamics, especially as they relate to PET/CT and theranostics, could significantly enhance a technologist's income potential in Oak Lawn, IL.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Oak Lawn?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Oak Lawn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Oak Lawn?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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