Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, MO: $46.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Columbia, MO runs $46.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Missouri, the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists stands at $46.57, which is below the national median of $51.15. This rate reflects the earning potential for both part-time employees working three days a week and those in per-diem roles across various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For those just starting their careers, entry-level positions may pay as low as $33.95, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $64.75 per hour, indicating a healthy range of compensation within this field. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary data and demonstrate the potential for attractive wages within the state's healthcare landscape.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.95 | $271.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.18 | $305.48 |
| Median (P50) | $46.57 | $372.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.71 | $445.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.75 | $518.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $46.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.57/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, MO can expect to earn approximately $96,867 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,885. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,862.83 | $8,072 | $96,867 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,117.70 | $4,843 | $58,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.13 | $3,229 | $38,747 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Columbia) | $46.57 |
| 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 Columbia, MO earn a median of $96,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.96% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.60% above the Missouri state average of $95,342.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.57/hr = $58,120/year (purchasing power: $64,866).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,867/year (purchasing power: $108,111).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Columbia grew 30.0% from $34.12/hr (2019) to $44.37/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.88/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For a nuclear medicine technologist working part-time in Columbia, a typical schedule of three days a week can yield a significant annual income, although it will generally be lower than that of full-time counterparts. Technologists on per-diem contracts can expect to earn between $55 and $80 per hour, particularly in specialized areas like outpatient oncology centers or quaternary cancer facilities. Additionally, hourly rates can vary depending on the employer; roles in hospital departments, outpatient PET/CT centers, and VA medical facilities may offer differing pay levels. While some professionals may choose positions offering lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance benefits, others prefer higher wages without such perks. Negotiation is key, and technologists in Columbia are encouraged to research the local market and articulate their qualifications and any specialty trainings when negotiating pay.
More salary data for Columbia, MO:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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