Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $45.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Independence, KY runs $45.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,562 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Independence, KY, can expect an hourly median pay of $45.32, which is slightly less than the national median hourly rate of $51.15. This figure reflects the earnings potential for those working in various environments, including hospital nuclear medicine suites and PET/CT imaging centers. For part-time workers, such as those engaged three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a viable income, particularly when factoring in shifts in places like theranostics infusion suites or mobile PET trailers. Entry-level technicians might earn around $35.99 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can command up to $58.70 per hour, highlighting a significant disparity in earnings across the profession.
About the Independence 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) | $35.99 | $287.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.02 | $312.19 |
| Median (P50) | $45.32 | $362.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.00 | $415.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.70 | $469.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $45.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.32/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $94,269 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,386. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,812.87 | $7,856 | $94,269 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,087.72 | $4,713 | $56,562 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $725.15 | $3,142 | $37,708 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Independence) | $45.32 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $94,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $95,021.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.32/hr = $56,562/year (purchasing power: $63,339).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,269/year (purchasing power: $105,565).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Independence grew 30.0% from $33.20/hr (2019) to $43.18/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.57/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 Independence 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 Independence
Analyzing the earning potential for nuclear medicine technologists reveals interesting dynamics in part-time and per-diem roles. A part-time nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week would bring home significantly less annually compared to a full-time employee, highlighting the trade-offs inherent in choosing a part-time schedule. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Independence typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology centers often earning between $65 and $95 per hour. Additionally, theranostics-trained techs at advanced cancer centers can receive top-tier compensation. Variances in pay also exist based on employer type, where hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient facilities, and mobile imaging companies may offer different hourly rates reflecting budget constraints and benefits. For some, the allure of higher hourly wages without benefits can be a significant deciding factor, while others may prefer the stability of a lower hourly rate that includes health insurance. For those negotiating their pay, emphasizing specialized certifications from organizations like NMTCB or SNMMI-TS can strengthen their position in discussions around hourly compensation.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Independence 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 Independence. 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 Independence 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