Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $56.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Paterson, NJ runs $56.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Paterson, NJ, can expect a median hourly rate of $56.68, significantly above the national average of $51.15. This competitive pay reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and even mobile PET trailers. For part-time nuclear medicine technologists working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly pay translates to a solid income base. Entry-level positions might start at approximately $44.28 per hour, while top earners can command up to $77.03, offering a clear pathway for career advancement within this field. As the industry evolves, positions centered on theranostics and advanced imaging techniques are increasingly represented in Paterson, further emphasizing the financial viability of this career.
About the Paterson 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) | $44.28 | $354.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.71 | $389.70 |
| Median (P50) | $56.68 | $453.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.84 | $542.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.03 | $616.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $56.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.68/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $117,891 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,014. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,267.14 | $9,824 | $117,891 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,360.28 | $5,895 | $70,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $906.85 | $3,930 | $47,156 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Paterson) | $56.68 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $117,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $118,010.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.68/hr = $70,735/year (purchasing power: $61,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,891/year (purchasing power: $102,336).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Paterson grew 30.0% from $41.52/hr (2019) to $54.00/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.49/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
Looking at the broader context, part-time nuclear medicine technologists, while earning $56.68 per hour, would collect a notable income working 24 hours weekly—an annual salary that holds appeal compared to full-time roles. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists often find themselves earning between $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized positions such as those in outpatient oncology centers yielding even higher rates, sometimes reaching $95 per hour. The variation in hourly rates is influenced by employment settings, with hospital roles typically offering stable pay, while outpatient PET/CT, cardiology practices, and theranostics centers may provide enticing premiums. However, professionals must consider the trade-off between higher hourly wages in positions without benefits versus steady income in full-time roles offering health insurance. Negotiating effectively in Paterson’s job market may include emphasizing your skills in rapidly growing areas like theranostics, thus ensuring you maximize your hourly potential while securing employment that best suits your financial goals.
More salary data for Paterson, NJ:
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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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