Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $56.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Lakewood, NJ runs $56.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,237 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, NJ, nuclear medicine technologists earn a competitive median hourly pay of $56.28, which surpasses the national hourly median of $51.15. This rate significantly enhances the earning potential for part-time and per-diem workers, who often operate in diverse environments such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress test rooms. The hourly range for this profession stretches from $43.35 at the entry level to $77.76 for the highest earners, providing a solid financial foundation for those in various stages of their careers. Given that these hourly rates are based on projected annual salaries, they reflect not only the expertise required in nuclear medicine technology but also the increasing demand for professionals in this field.
About the Lakewood 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) | $43.35 | $346.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.89 | $383.15 |
| Median (P50) | $56.28 | $450.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.87 | $534.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.76 | $622.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $56.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.28/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,061 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,535. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,251.18 | $9,755 | $117,061 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,350.71 | $5,853 | $70,237 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $900.47 | $3,902 | $46,825 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Lakewood) | $56.28 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $117,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.01% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $117,996.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.28/hr = $70,237/year (purchasing power: $60,970).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,061/year (purchasing power: $101,616).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lakewood grew 30.0% from $41.23/hr (2019) to $53.62/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.07/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists working three days a week, the annual take-home pay can be quite appealing, especially when compared to full-time positions. Earning around $56.28 per hour translates to a considerable supplemental income, allowing for greater flexibility and work-life balance. Per diem setups further enhance financial opportunities; professionals can typically command rates between $55 and $80 per hour depending on their specialization. Those skilled in PET/CT technology, particularly in outpatient settings, often see pay rates between $65 and $95. With differences in hourly compensation across various employer types in Lakewood, including hospital departments, outpatient centers, and VA medical facilities, some technologists might accept lower rates in exchange for health benefits. For negotiation, understanding the local market and leveraging specialized skills in theranostics can empower workers to secure better pay packages while contemplating the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits.
More salary data for Lakewood, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lakewood in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Lakewood?
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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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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