Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Los Lunas, NM: $44.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Los Lunas, NM runs $44.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,351 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Los Lunas's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,011 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Los Lunas, New Mexico, a nuclear medicine technologist earns a median hourly rate of $44.88, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.15. For those considering part-time work—perhaps three days a week—the financial implications can be significant. Working 24 hours weekly at this rate translates to approximately $58,000 annually, making part-time roles an attractive option for many. This hourly rate applies across a variety of settings, from hospital nuclear medicine suites to mobile PET trailers, and encompasses a salary range from about $38.01 at entry-level positions to $56.15 for top earners. As the nuclear medicine field evolves, professionals in Los Lunas can expect competitive pay, despite the regional adjustment to national averages expressed through these projections.
About the Los Lunas Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.01 | $304.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.15 | $321.18 |
| Median (P50) | $44.88 | $359.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.58 | $404.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.15 | $449.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Lunas
Based on $44.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.88/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Lunas, NM can expect to earn approximately $93,352 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,857. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Los Lunas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Lunas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,795.24 | $7,779 | $93,352 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,077.14 | $4,668 | $56,011 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $718.09 | $3,112 | $37,341 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Los Lunas) | $44.88 |
| 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 Los Lunas, NM earn a median of $93,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.26% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 7.10% below the New Mexico state average of $100,486.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.88/hr = $56,011/year (purchasing power: $59,334).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,352/year (purchasing power: $98,890).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Los Lunas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Los Lunas grew 30.0% from $32.88/hr (2019) to $42.76/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.11/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 Los Lunas 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 Los Lunas
While the hourly pay structure in Los Lunas can offer flexibility, it varies significantly based on employment type and specialty. A nuclear medicine technologist working per diem may command higher rates, often billing between $55 and $80 per hour for their services. Additionally, those specialized in PET/CT imaging in outpatient oncology centers can expect to earn between $65 and $95 per hour, reflecting the demand for skills in this growing sector. However, there can be trade-offs, as hourly workers must consider the balance of higher wages against the lack of benefits like health insurance. Negotiation becomes crucial in this context; technologists may want to emphasize their specialized training, especially in theranostics, to leverage better hourly terms. With the projected growth rate of 4.96% over the next five years in this profession, professionals in Los Lunas should remain proactive in pursuing opportunities that align with their career advancement and financial goals.
More salary data for Los Lunas, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Los Lunas in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Los Lunas?
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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 Los Lunas. 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 Los Lunas 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