Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Lafayette, LA: $47.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Lafayette, LA runs $47.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,168 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lafayette, Louisiana, the projected median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists is set at $47.41, which falls below the national median of $51.15. This hourly pay provides solid compensation for part-time workers, such as those who work three days a week, offering a viable income while maintaining job flexibility. Additionally, per-diem nuclear medicine technologists may find opportunities in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For entry-level professionals, rates can start around $35.32, while top earners in this field can reach up to $62.20 per hour. These estimates reflect the increasing demand for technologists skilled in advanced modalities like PET/CT and theranostics, which are becoming essential in modern medical practices.
About the Lafayette 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) | $35.32 | $282.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.24 | $329.91 |
| Median (P50) | $47.41 | $379.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.37 | $434.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.20 | $497.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lafayette
Based on $47.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.41/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lafayette, LA can expect to earn approximately $98,614 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,893. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,896.42 | $8,218 | $98,614 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,137.85 | $4,931 | $59,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $758.57 | $3,287 | $39,445 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Lafayette) | $47.41 |
| 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 Lafayette, LA earn a median of $98,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.60% above the Louisiana state average of $96,118.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.41/hr = $59,168/year (purchasing power: $65,524).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,614/year (purchasing power: $109,207).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+56.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lafayette grew 41.9% from $31.84/hr (2019) to $45.17/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.76/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 Lafayette 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 Lafayette
When considering the financial aspects of part-time work, a nuclear medicine technologist working a typical 3-day schedule earns an annual income that can be quite different from their full-time counterparts. Generally, those opting for per-diem roles can command hourly rates ranging from $55 to $80, especially in specialty areas like PET/CT and theranostics, where expertise is in high demand. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and even mobile imaging companies in Lafayette may offer varying compensation rates, often influenced by the level of training and specific responsibilities. While some professionals might choose positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits, leading to important career decisions. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can also depend on local market conditions; knowing the going rates in Lafayette helps technologists advocate for themselves in this evolving job market, especially as the growth rate for this profession is projected at 4.96% annually.
More salary data for Lafayette, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lafayette in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Lafayette?
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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 Lafayette. 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 Lafayette 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