Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Cornelius, NC: $46.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Cornelius, NC runs $46.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,941 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Cornelius's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cornelius, North Carolina, a nuclear medicine technologist earns a median hourly pay of $46.13, which falls below the national hourly median of $51.15. This hourly rate can provide financial stability for part-time workers or those in per-diem roles, which are common in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. While entry-level positions may start around $38.44 per hour, top earners in this field can command rates as high as $57.63. Such figures reflect years of experience and specialized training, particularly in rapidly evolving areas like theranostics, where the demand for skilled technologists continues to grow. The hourly rates mentioned are derived from projected annual salary estimates for 2026, allowing for comparisons that can guide job decisions for both new learners and experienced professionals in the area.
About the Cornelius 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) | $38.44 | $307.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.20 | $329.57 |
| Median (P50) | $46.13 | $369.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.63 | $413.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.63 | $461.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cornelius
Based on $46.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.13/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cornelius, NC can expect to earn approximately $95,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,356. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cornelius.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cornelius
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,845.20 | $7,996 | $95,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,107.12 | $4,798 | $57,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $738.08 | $3,198 | $38,380 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Cornelius) | $46.13 |
| 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 Cornelius, NC earn a median of $95,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.83% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.30% below the North Carolina state average of $97,204.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.13/hr = $57,570/year (purchasing power: $61,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,950/year (purchasing power: $102,511).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Cornelius (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Cornelius grew 30.0% from $33.80/hr (2019) to $43.95/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.42/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 Cornelius 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 Cornelius
Exploring the earnings potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists reveals a different story; those working three days a week could bring home nearly $57,393 annually, a stark contrast to those opting for full-time positions. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Cornelius often ranges significantly, with rates of $55-$80 per hour being common for temporary roles in high-demand settings, such as outpatient oncology centers, where PET/CT technicians may earn between $65-$95 per hour. Additionally, those with specialized training in theranostics, such as Lutathera therapies, can expect even higher pay rates, maximizing their earning potential. Compensation varies based on the employer, with hospital settings often providing benefits that can make slightly lower hourly rates appealing to those who prioritize health insurance. As negotiations for hourly pay in Cornelius occur, technologists should consider their unique situation—whether securing a higher rate with fewer benefits or opting for stability that includes healthcare coverage.
More salary data for Cornelius, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Cornelius in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Cornelius?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Cornelius paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Cornelius?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Cornelius?
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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 Cornelius. 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 Cornelius 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