Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $43.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Hammond, LA runs $43.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,164 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the projected hourly pay for nuclear medicine technologists stands at $43.40, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $51.15. This wage sets the stage for a range of work scenarios, particularly for part-time and per-diem professionals. For example, technologists working just three days a week would see substantial monthly earnings, reflecting the potential for stability in frequently dynamic settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. The hourly range reflects varied experience levels, with entry-level positions starting around $36.16, while seasoned technologists can earn up to $55.09 per hour, making it a viable career option for both long-term employees and short-term contractors in 2026.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.16 | $289.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.43 | $307.41 |
| Median (P50) | $43.40 | $347.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.50 | $395.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.09 | $440.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $43.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.40/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $90,274 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,081. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,736.04 | $7,523 | $90,274 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.62 | $4,514 | $54,164 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.42 | $3,009 | $36,110 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Hammond) | $43.40 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $90,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.15% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 6.00% below the Louisiana state average of $96,043.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.40/hr = $54,164/year (purchasing power: $59,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,274/year (purchasing power: $99,971).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Hammond grew 30.0% from $31.80/hr (2019) to $41.35/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.55/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
Considering the diverse employment opportunities available, part-time nuclear medicine technologists working in Hammond can expect to earn a substantial income even with fewer hours, accumulating approximately $54,736 annually by working a 24-hour week. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Hammond can significantly exceed standard rates, with many professionals billing between $55 and $80 per hour, particularly in specialized roles like PET/CT and theranostics at oncology facilities. Hammond's healthcare market features disparate wage structures, with hospitals often offering solid benefits at lower hourly rates compared to outpatient and mobile facilities that may provide higher pay but limited or no benefits. This factor influences how technologists approach job choices, balancing the appeal of higher hourly wages against the security and benefits associated with traditional employment. Effective negotiation can often lead to better rates, especially in light of the region's increased demand for skilled practitioners as the industry continues to grow.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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