Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Bethesda, MD: $54.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Bethesda, MD runs $54.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Bethesda's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Bethesda, Maryland, can expect an hourly rate of $54.00, which is notably higher than the national median of $51.15. This difference reflects the region's competitive landscape for health professionals, a reflection of Bethesda's robust healthcare sector. For those interested in flexible work schedules, the hourly pay affords significant opportunities for part-time employment, such as working three days a week, or even per-diem roles in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. The hourly pay range varies widely, from $41.63 for entry-level positions to $72.43 for top earners, indicating the potential for substantial income as one gains experience and specialization.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.63 | $333.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.98 | $367.86 |
| Median (P50) | $54.00 | $432.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.10 | $504.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.43 | $579.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethesda
Based on $54.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.00/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethesda, MD can expect to earn approximately $112,324 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,802. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bethesda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethesda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,160.08 | $9,360 | $112,324 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,296.05 | $5,616 | $67,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $864.03 | $3,744 | $44,930 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Bethesda) | $54.00 |
| 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 Bethesda, MD earn a median of $112,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $116,279.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.00/hr = $67,394/year (purchasing power: $61,660).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,324/year (purchasing power: $102,767).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Bethesda grew 30.0% from $39.56/hr (2019) to $51.45/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.68/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 Bethesda 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 Bethesda
When considering part-time work, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn approximately $67,200 annually, a respectable amount compared to full-time earnings, but often requiring a sharp focus on shifts or contracting opportunities. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists in Bethesda can bill anywhere from $55 to $80 per hour, with those trained in PET/CT often commanding even higher rates due to demand. Facilities such as outpatient oncology centers and theranostics centers are increasingly offering premiums for specialized training, notably in therapies like Lutathera and Pluvicto. While some technologists may choose higher hourly rates that lack benefits, others might opt for positions offering comprehensive health insurance despite the lower pay. Understanding these trade-offs and developing effective negotiation strategies tailored to Bethesda's healthcare landscape can significantly influence both job satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Bethesda in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Bethesda?
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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 Bethesda. 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 Bethesda 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