Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $49.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Elk River, MN runs $49.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly rate stands at $49.36, which is marginally lower than the national median of $51.15. This hourly figure indicates a robust opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers within the healthcare setting. For those on a part-time schedule, such as working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, translating to valuable income especially in environments like hospital nuclear medicine suites or outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. As projected for 2026, the hourly range for nuclear medicine technologists in Elk River varies significantly, from an entry-level pay of $40.76 to top earners reaching $65.78. These numbers illustrate the career potential within the field while suggesting a promising earnings trajectory within specific healthcare facilities.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($100,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.76 | $326.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.65 | $349.22 |
| Median (P50) | $49.36 | $394.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.83 | $438.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.78 | $526.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $49.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.36/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $102,674 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,235. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,974.51 | $8,556 | $102,674 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.70 | $5,134 | $61,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.80 | $3,422 | $41,070 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Elk River) | $49.36 |
| 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 Elk River, MN earn a median of $102,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $104,774.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.36/hr = $61,605/year (purchasing power: $62,543).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,674/year (purchasing power: $104,238).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Elk River grew 30.0% from $36.16/hr (2019) to $47.03/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.81/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 Elk River 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 Elk River
Considering the part-time earning situation, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week would see a considerably different annual income compared to a full-time schedule. Many per diem nuclear medicine technologists can expect rates ranging from $55 to $80 an hour, while those specializing in PET/CT at outpatient oncology centers may command $65-$95 per hour. The various employer types in Elk River, such as VA medical centers and mobile PET imaging companies, can result in fluctuating hourly rates based on demand and expertise, especially for those skilled in theranostics. While some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, many independent contractors or agency workers value higher pay without the accompanying benefits. This balance can influence negotiations in a field where specialized skills in PET/CT and radiopharmaceuticals like Lutathera and Pluvicto are increasingly in demand. Understanding one's worth and the unique aspects of the local job market in Elk River can empower technologists to negotiate effectively.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
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 Elk River. 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 Elk River 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