Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Raleigh, NC: $46.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Raleigh, NC runs $46.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Raleigh's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.2, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,356 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Raleigh, North Carolina, earn a median hourly pay of $46.76. This rate is somewhat lower than the national median hourly pay of $51.15, potentially reflecting local market conditions and the cost of living index of 98.157. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings while allowing for additional flexibility. Per-diem workers in this field often find opportunities in hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient imaging centers, and other settings, with rates generally ranging from $33.15 at entry-level positions to $54.95 for top earners. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which provides an insightful look into the financial environment for nuclear medicine technologists in Raleigh.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.15 | $265.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.50 | $315.97 |
| Median (P50) | $46.76 | $374.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.10 | $392.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.95 | $439.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Raleigh
Based on $46.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.76/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Raleigh, NC can expect to earn approximately $97,260 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,112. With a cost-of-living index of 98.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Raleigh.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Raleigh
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,870.39 | $8,105 | $97,260 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.23 | $4,863 | $58,356 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.15 | $3,242 | $38,904 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Raleigh) | $46.76 |
| 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 Raleigh, NC earn a median of $97,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.58% lower than the national median of $106,398.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.76/hr = $58,356/year (purchasing power: $59,452).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,260/year (purchasing power: $99,086).
CoL index: 98.157 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+45.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Raleigh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Raleigh grew 31.9% from $33.77/hr (2019) to $44.55/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.08/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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Considering the potential for part-time and per-diem work, a nuclear medicine technologist in Raleigh working 24 hours per week could take home an annual income significantly less than their full-time peers, yet still command a living wage by balancing shifts across various facilities. Many per-diem nuclear medicine technologists can charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology centers earning $65 to $95 per hour due to rising demand and specialized skills in theranostics. Employer types play a crucial role in determining hourly rates; hospital positions typically pay less than private practices or specialized centers. Some technologists might accept lower hourly wages for benefits including health insurance, while others prefer higher hourly rates with less financial security. For those looking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local market dynamics in Raleigh and leveraging in-demand specialties can be key strategies for maximizing earnings in the growing field of nuclear medicine technology.
More salary data for Raleigh, 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 Raleigh. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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