Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in West Orange, NJ: $56.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in West Orange, NJ runs $56.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,985 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against West Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,198 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Orange, New Jersey, the projected hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist in 2026 is $56.25, outperforming the national median of $51.15. This competitive hourly rate is appealing to both full-time and part-time workers in varied settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging trailers. For those who work part-time—say three days a week—this rate can be advantageous, particularly for those who enjoy flexibility. With an hourly range from approximately $44.62 at entry-level positions to $72.67 for more experienced technologists or specialized roles, the earning potential allows for diverse work arrangements. It's essential to recognize that these figures stem from estimated annual salaries, giving an insight into the income landscape for nuclear medicine technologists in West Orange.
About the West Orange 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) | $44.62 | $356.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.40 | $387.18 |
| Median (P50) | $56.25 | $449.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.58 | $516.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.67 | $581.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Orange
Based on $56.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.25/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $116,996 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,498. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,249.92 | $9,750 | $116,996 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,349.95 | $5,850 | $70,198 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $899.97 | $3,900 | $46,798 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (West Orange) | $56.25 |
| 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 West Orange, NJ earn a median of $116,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.95% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $117,929.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.25/hr = $70,198/year (purchasing power: $60,935).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,996/year (purchasing power: $101,559).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in West Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in West Orange grew 30.0% from $41.21/hr (2019) to $53.59/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.04/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 West Orange 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 West Orange
Full-time nuclear medicine technologists in West Orange can expect to earn significantly more over the year compared to their part-time counterparts. A part-time technologist working 24 hours a week at the median hourly rate can earn around $70,560 annually, a substantial income, yet still less than what a full-time colleague could achieve. For per-diem workers, especially those in mobile contract roles, the pay often ranges between $55 and $80 per hour, reflecting the variables based on demand and specialization. Technologists with PET/CT expertise, particularly in oncology, might see rates spike as high as $95 per hour. There’s a balance to strike between hourly wages and benefits in this field; while some may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability, others prefer higher wages without benefits, opting for a more flexible work-life balance. Negotiating pay can be advantageous in West Orange's diverse healthcare environment, especially given the increasing demand for skilled professionals in specialized areas like theranostics and PET imaging.
More salary data for West Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in West Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in West Orange?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in West Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in West Orange?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in West Orange?
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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 West Orange. 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 West Orange 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