Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $45.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Kearney, NE runs $45.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Kearney, NE, earn a median hourly rate of $45.07, which falls short of the national median of $51.15. This discrepancy highlights the economic environment in Kearney, where healthcare roles may not fetch the same pay as in larger metropolitan areas. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates into potential earnings of approximately $1,440 weekly, making it a viable option for individuals looking to balance work and personal commitments. Entry-level positions begin around $37.09 per hour, while seasoned technologists can reach the top end of the scale at $58.55, creating a salary range that accommodates both newcomers and experienced professionals in various settings such as hospitals, mobile imaging units, and outpatient diagnostic centers.
About the Kearney 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) | $37.09 | $296.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.91 | $319.25 |
| Median (P50) | $45.07 | $360.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.81 | $414.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.55 | $468.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $45.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.07/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $93,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,084. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,802.79 | $7,812 | $93,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,081.68 | $4,687 | $56,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $721.12 | $3,125 | $37,498 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Kearney) | $45.07 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $93,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $97,352.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.07/hr = $56,247/year (purchasing power: $61,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,745/year (purchasing power: $102,454).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Kearney grew 30.0% from $33.02/hr (2019) to $42.94/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.31/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
When considering part-time roles, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours per week could expect to make around $56,000 annually, a notable figure compared to a full-time salary, but still means sacrificing benefits often tied to full-time positions. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Kearney can vary significantly, with many professionals billing between $55 and $80 per hour, especially in specialized areas such as outpatient oncology and advanced theranostic therapies. Institutions like VA medical centers and outpatient clinics generally offer competitive weekly hours, but the hourly rates can differ based on employer type. Navigating hourly wages requires an understanding of what is being offered—whether it's increased hourly pay against the stability and perks full-time roles typically present. When discussing pay, technologists should weigh the value of benefits against higher hourly rates and be prepared with competitive insights to negotiate their worth effectively.
More salary data for Kearney, 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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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