Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $48.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $48.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Sterling Heights, Michigan, earn a median hourly rate of $48.67, which is slightly below the national median of $51.15. This economic landscape allows part-time workers, typically scheduled for about three days a week in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress test rooms, to achieve a steady income. For those seeking per-diem roles, which often come with flexible scheduling, the earnings can be even more enticing, as many of these professionals find themselves in hot lab radiopharmacy areas or theranostics infusion suites. With a competitive hourly range from $35.84 for entry-level positions up to $68.28 for top earners, the demand for skilled technologists indicates strong career potential as the healthcare field continues to evolve.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.84 | $286.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.18 | $321.43 |
| Median (P50) | $48.67 | $389.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.49 | $443.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.28 | $546.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $48.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.67/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $101,234 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,404. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,946.80 | $8,436 | $101,234 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,168.08 | $5,062 | $60,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.72 | $3,374 | $40,493 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Sterling Heights) | $48.67 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $101,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $99,158.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.67/hr = $60,740/year (purchasing power: $65,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,234/year (purchasing power: $108,620).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Sterling Heights grew 30.0% from $35.66/hr (2019) to $46.37/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.08/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Looking at the financial implications for part-time nuclear medicine technologists, those working a 24-hour week can expect significantly different annual earnings compared to their full-time counterparts. Reports indicate that per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Sterling Heights can reach between $55-$80 per hour, with PET/CT techs at oncology centers sometimes commanding $65-$95, especially if they are trained in theranostics, where higher premiums reflect specialized skill sets. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on employer type; for instance, technologists in VA medical centers or mobile PET imaging companies may receive different compensation packages than those in hospital departments or outpatient centers. While some professionals may choose lower hourly rates for positions that offer more comprehensive benefits, those preferring higher pay might take per-diem roles without benefits. As a strategy, technologists in Sterling Heights are encouraged to negotiate based on their skill level and the current market demand, especially with the growth of PET/CT and theranostics services offering new opportunities for advancement.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Sterling Heights?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Sterling Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Sterling Heights?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling Heights?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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