Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Elizabethtown, KY: $44.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Elizabethtown, KY runs $44.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Elizabethtown's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,710 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabethtown, KY, earn a median hourly rate of $44.64, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.15. This figure may impact those considering part-time or per-diem positions; for example, a nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $3,700 monthly, providing a decent income while maintaining flexibility. The hourly wage for entry-level professionals typically starts around $34.28, while highly experienced technologists may command up to $59.14 per hour. These rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the broader trends in the profession across various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiac test facilities, all of which play essential roles in patient care and diagnostics.
About the Elizabethtown Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.28 | $274.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.61 | $300.86 |
| Median (P50) | $44.64 | $357.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.49 | $395.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.14 | $473.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabethtown
Based on $44.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.64/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabethtown, KY can expect to earn approximately $92,850 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,567. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elizabethtown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabethtown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,785.58 | $7,738 | $92,850 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,071.35 | $4,643 | $55,710 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $714.23 | $3,095 | $37,140 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Elizabethtown) | $44.64 |
| 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 Elizabethtown, KY earn a median of $92,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.30% below the Kentucky state average of $95,038.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.64/hr = $55,710/year (purchasing power: $62,385).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,850/year (purchasing power: $103,976).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabethtown grew 30.0% from $32.70/hr (2019) to $42.53/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.85/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 Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown
Examining the earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists highlights the realistic financial landscape they operate within. In contrast to full-time counterparts who see steady income, those working 24 hours a week may struggle to match the annual earnings of their full-time peers. Per diem positions tend to offer higher rates, with nuclear medicine technologists commonly billing between $55 and $80 per hour, depending on their area of specialization. For instance, those working in outpatient settings might see rates between $65 and $95, especially for PET/CT roles. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and VA facilities influence pay dynamics, often favoring higher rates but providing fewer benefits. This variability necessitates careful consideration during job negotiations, as accepting a lower hourly wage might come with benefits like health insurance that higher-paying roles lack. In Elizabethtown, those in the know ensure they understand these trade-offs while seeking opportunities that align with their professional and financial goals.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabethtown in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Elizabethtown?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabethtown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Elizabethtown?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Elizabethtown?
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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 Elizabethtown. 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 Elizabethtown 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