Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Iowa City, IA: $44.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Iowa City, IA runs $44.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,784 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Iowa City's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,068 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Iowa City, a nuclear medicine technologist can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $44.13, notably lower than the national median of $51.15. This discrepancy highlights the local market dynamics, with nuclear medicine technicians often finding employment in hospital settings, outpatient imaging centers, and specialized facilities such as theranostics infusion suites. For those considering part-time work—such as three days a week—or per-diem opportunities, this hourly rate translates into variable earnings depending on hours worked. Entry-level technologists can start around $32.63, while seasoned professionals can secure up to $57.46 per hour as they gain experience and specialization, especially in high-demand areas such as PET/CT imaging or theranostics. Per-diem workers in Iowa City frequently see pay for their expertise, making it an attractive option for flexibility in their schedules.
About the Iowa City Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.63 | $261.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.54 | $292.29 |
| Median (P50) | $44.13 | $353.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.53 | $404.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.46 | $459.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Iowa City
Based on $44.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.13/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Iowa City, IA can expect to earn approximately $91,780 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,950. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Iowa City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Iowa City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,765.01 | $7,648 | $91,780 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,059.00 | $4,589 | $55,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.00 | $3,059 | $36,712 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Iowa City) | $44.13 |
| 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 Iowa City, IA earn a median of $91,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.40% below the Iowa state average of $92,153.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.13/hr = $55,068/year (purchasing power: $60,916).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,780/year (purchasing power: $101,527).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Iowa City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Iowa City grew 30.0% from $32.33/hr (2019) to $42.04/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.31/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 Iowa City 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 Iowa City
The earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists in Iowa City can be significant when weighed against full-time positions. A technologist working a typical 24-hour week could make around $52,030 annually, an appealing figure for many professionals who prefer a balanced lifestyle. Per diem positions tend to offer rates between $55 and $80 per hour, while PET/CT imaging roles may reach $65 to $95 per hour, reflecting the demand in outpatient centers. In contrast, those engaged in theranostics may command even higher premiums due to the specialized nature of treatments like Pluvicto and Lutathera. Employment settings further affect compensation, with hospitals generally providing steady benefits at a lower hourly wage compared to higher-paying clinics sans health insurance. For those entering the field, negotiating hourly rates is essential; understanding the market and being aware of the lucrative earning potential in specialized areas allows technologists to make informed decisions that align with their career goals.
More salary data for Iowa City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Iowa City in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Iowa City?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Iowa City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Iowa City?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Iowa City?
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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 Iowa City. 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 Iowa City 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