Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $49.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Louisville, KY runs $49.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,155 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, Kentucky, nuclear medicine technologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $49.80, slightly below the national median of $51.15. This competitive hourly wage presents viable opportunities for both full-time staff and part-time roles, particularly in hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For those opting for part-time work at around three days per week, this hourly pay translates into significant weekly earnings while allowing for flexible schedules. Entry-level nuclear medicine technologists may start at approximately $35.48 per hour, whereas those who are more seasoned and skilled can earn up to $68.32 per hour, positioning themselves well within the local market dynamics.
About the Louisville 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) | $35.48 | $283.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.44 | $323.53 |
| Median (P50) | $49.80 | $398.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.68 | $469.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.32 | $546.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $49.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.80/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $103,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,764. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,992.14 | $8,633 | $103,591 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,195.28 | $5,180 | $62,155 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $796.86 | $3,453 | $41,437 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Louisville) | $49.80 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $103,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $95,034.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.80/hr = $62,155/year (purchasing power: $69,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,591/year (purchasing power: $116,004).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Louisville grew 30.0% from $36.49/hr (2019) to $47.45/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.27/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can vary significantly compared to their full-time peers. While per diem nuclear medicine technologists often command rates between $55 and $80 per hour, those specializing in PET/CT at outpatient centers can achieve pay rates ranging from $65 to $95 per hour. This variability highlights the premium that theranostics-trained technologists, especially those administering treatments like lutetium-177, may command in more advanced care settings. Different employment types influence pay as well; positions in hospital departments may offer more stability and benefits at slightly lower hourly rates compared to private practices or mobile operations where hourly compensation might be higher but without ancillary benefits. For professionals in Louisville, effective negotiation tactics can enhance hourly earnings; it's advisable to research market rates for specific roles while considering personal priorities related to job security versus pay flexibility.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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