Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Elizabeth, NJ: $57.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Elizabeth, NJ runs $57.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Elizabeth's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for nuclear medicine technologists is $57.23. This rate significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $51.15, highlighting the region's competitive compensation landscape for this profession. For nuclear medicine technologists who may work part-time, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate can create solid earnings while accommodating a work-life balance. Entry-level positions may start around $45.36 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $78.93 per hour. The hourly rates provided reflect estimated values from annual salary metrics, catering to a range of working environments, from hospital nuclear medicine suites to mobile PET imaging trailers.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.36 | $362.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.86 | $398.85 |
| Median (P50) | $57.23 | $457.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.91 | $543.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.93 | $631.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elizabeth
Based on $57.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.23/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elizabeth, NJ can expect to earn approximately $119,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,682. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Elizabeth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elizabeth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,289.39 | $9,921 | $119,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,373.63 | $5,952 | $71,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $915.76 | $3,968 | $47,619 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Elizabeth) | $57.23 |
| 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 Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $119,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $117,993.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.23/hr = $71,429/year (purchasing power: $62,004).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,048/year (purchasing power: $103,340).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabeth grew 30.0% from $41.93/hr (2019) to $54.53/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.07/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 Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth
Exploring the earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists reveals a significant difference compared to full-time roles. Working just three days a week at an hourly rate of $57.23 translates to an annual income of approximately $44,164, which is still competitive within the field. Meanwhile, per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabeth often charge anywhere from $55 to $80 per hour, depending on the setting; PET/CT techs at outpatient oncology facilities can earn between $65 and $95 per hour. The hourly rates can vary notably across various employer types, including hospitals and specialty clinics focused on theranostics or nuclear cardiology. Technologists must weigh the benefits of positions that offer health insurance versus potentially higher hourly pay without additional perks. For those negotiating their pay in Elizabeth, understanding the local market and aligning with industry standards can enhance their bargaining power.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Elizabeth in 2026?
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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 Elizabeth. 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 Elizabeth 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