Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $47.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Apex, NC runs $47.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,880 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,723 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Apex, North Carolina, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay stands at $47.05 per hour, which is slightly lower than the national median of $51.15 per hour. This hourly rate offers a robust compensation for those involved in diverse work environments such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For part-time professionals, typically working three days a week, the rate translates into an attractive income level, allowing flexibility while still providing meaningful financial returns. Moreover, entry-level technicians may start at approximately $35.81 per hour, while top earners in the field could command rates up to $60.58 per hour, reflecting significant growth potential in the market. These figures represent estimates derived from annual salary data, thereby illustrating the earnings landscape in Apex for this vital healthcare role.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.81 | $286.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.38 | $331.00 |
| Median (P50) | $47.05 | $376.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.47 | $427.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.58 | $484.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $47.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.05/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $97,871 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,464. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,882.14 | $8,156 | $97,871 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,129.29 | $4,894 | $58,723 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.86 | $3,262 | $39,149 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Apex) | $47.05 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $97,880 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.01% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $97,200.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.05/hr = $58,723/year (purchasing power: $62,738).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,871/year (purchasing power: $104,563).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Apex (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Apex grew 30.0% from $34.47/hr (2019) to $44.83/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.39/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 Apex 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 Apex
Regarding the financial landscape, a nuclear medicine technologist working part-time, clocking in about 24 hours a week, may expect to earn around $53,138 annually, substantially less than what a full-time professional could take home. For those opting for per-diem or agency roles, compensation can vary dramatically, with rates often ranging from $55 to $80 per hour for general roles and potentially reaching $65 to $95 for PET/CT technologists in oncology settings or even higher for specialized theranostics positions. Hourly earnings differ among employers—technologists in hospitals often earn less when benefits like health insurance are factored in, compared to those who might choose a higher hourly rate without such benefits. Negotiating effectively in Apex requires understanding these nuances and considering how employer type correlates with payment structures, ensuring that workers can advocate for competitive pay while balancing their professional preferences.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
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 Apex. 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 Apex 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