Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Bethlehem, PA: $53.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Bethlehem, PA runs $53.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,033 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Bethlehem's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,622 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the projected hourly rate for a nuclear medicine technologist is $53.38. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $51.15, reflecting strong demand for skilled professionals in this field. For those working part-time, like in typical hospital settings or outpatient imaging centers, this means an annual income that can be quite competitive, even with a schedule of just three days a week. Per-diem positions, often found in mobile PET trailers or theranostics infusion suites, offer flexible work options, too. The hourly rates can vary significantly, with entry-level technologists earning approximately $41.04 and those with extensive experience reaching upwards of $69.52, indicating a clear financial incentive for continued training and specialization.
About the Bethlehem Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.04 | $328.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.37 | $362.99 |
| Median (P50) | $53.38 | $427.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.13 | $489.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.52 | $556.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bethlehem
Based on $53.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.38/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bethlehem, PA can expect to earn approximately $111,036 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,059. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bethlehem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bethlehem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,135.31 | $9,253 | $111,036 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,281.18 | $5,552 | $66,622 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $854.12 | $3,701 | $44,414 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Bethlehem) | $53.38 |
| 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 Bethlehem, PA earn a median of $111,033 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 7.10% above the Pennsylvania state average of $103,672.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.38/hr = $66,622/year (purchasing power: $68,400).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,036/year (purchasing power: $114,000).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Bethlehem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Bethlehem grew 30.0% from $39.11/hr (2019) to $50.86/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.03/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 Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem
Part-time nuclear medicine technologists in Bethlehem, working 24 hours a week, can see earnings around $66,085 annually, which is substantial given the ability to balance work and personal time. Meanwhile, per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Bethlehem allows for greater flexibility, with rates often ranging from $55 to $80 per hour in outpatient oncology centers or up to $95 for specialized PET/CT roles. Varying by employer type, hourly compensation tends to differ between hospital departments, outpatient centers, and specialized facilities like VA medical centers. Some technologists may choose positions with lower hourly pay for the added benefits of health insurance. Negotiation can be pivotal; understanding the local job market and emphasizing specialized skills related to ongoing advancements in theranostics can bolster hourly pay for those in Bethlehem.
More salary data for Bethlehem, PA:
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 Bethlehem. 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 Bethlehem 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