Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $46.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Independence, MO runs $46.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay is projected to be $46.77 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $51.15. This rate offers a solid income for both full-time and part-time positions. For part-time workers typically participating in three-day-a-week schedules, or per-diem nuclear medicine technologists, the hourly wage means they can earn a competitive salary working in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites or outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. Entry-level positions can expect around $36.75 per hour, while experienced technologists can see rates climb up to $65.58 at the higher end of the pay scale. This spectrum indicates diverse opportunities for professionals in this field, from those just starting their careers to seasoned experts managing advanced therapeutic procedures.
About the Independence 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) | $36.75 | $293.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.36 | $322.86 |
| Median (P50) | $46.77 | $374.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.30 | $426.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.58 | $524.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $46.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.77/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $97,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,124. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,870.81 | $8,107 | $97,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.48 | $4,864 | $58,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.32 | $3,243 | $38,913 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Independence) | $46.77 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $97,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.56% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $95,291.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.77/hr = $58,369/year (purchasing power: $65,144).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,282/year (purchasing power: $108,574).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Independence grew 30.0% from $34.27/hr (2019) to $44.56/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.09/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 Independence 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 Independence
For those working part-time at 24 hours a week, it’s essential to understand how earnings stack up against those in full-time roles. Part-time nuclear medicine technologists would typically make about $57,000 annually, a respectable figure considering the flexibility it provides. Conversely, per-diem roles can offer a significantly higher income potential, with pay rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour for general cases and up to $95 for PET/CT specialists in outpatient oncology. Establishments such as theranostics centers offering treatments like Lutathera often provide premium rates, reflecting the increasing demand for advanced nuclear medicine services. Furthermore, employers vary in pay—hospital departments might provide steady hours along with benefits, while private clinics may offer flexibility at higher hourly rates without benefits. Negotiating pay reflects on these aspects, allowing professionals to weigh their needs for stability against the allure of higher wages for more variable work.
More salary data for Independence, 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 Independence. 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 Independence 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