Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $43.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Columbus, NE runs $43.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,909 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,544 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $43.71, falling short of the national median of $51.15. This hourly rate reflects the potential earning power of both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per diem opportunities within various healthcare settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. For part-time workers operating on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage translates to a workable income, particularly given the entry-level ranges starting at approximately $37.36 and peaking at $56.46 for the most experienced technologists. Such estimates are drawn from annual salary projections, affirming the variety of opportunities available within Columbus's healthcare sector and setting the stage for flexible engagements.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.36 | $298.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.35 | $314.80 |
| Median (P50) | $43.71 | $349.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.94 | $383.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.46 | $451.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $43.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.71/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $90,907 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,446. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,748.21 | $7,576 | $90,907 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,048.93 | $4,545 | $54,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $699.29 | $3,030 | $36,363 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Columbus) | $43.71 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $90,909 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.56% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $97,333.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.71/hr = $54,544/year (purchasing power: $59,611).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,907/year (purchasing power: $99,352).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Columbus grew 30.0% from $32.02/hr (2019) to $41.64/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.87/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Looking closer at part-time earning potentials, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $54,615 annually, which is a significant income but considerably less than what full-time colleagues might achieve. For those considering per diem positions, billing rates can elevate earnings, with per diem nuclear medicine technologists often charging between $55 and $80 per hour. Conversely, PET/CT specialists and those trained in theranostics may command even higher rates, particularly in specialized settings like oncology or therapeutic radiopharmacy. Different employers in Columbus, such as hospitals and outpatient centers, may offer varying pay structures, reflecting differing benefits; those willing to accept lower hourly wages at hospitals often do so for the health insurance and job security, while others may choose higher hourly pay without benefits. For those looking to negotiate their pay, it’s beneficial to understand the local market and be prepared to discuss competitor rates, especially given the rising demand for specialized roles in PET/CT and theranostics.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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