Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in State College, PA: $47.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in State College, PA runs $47.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,822 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against State College's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,299 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist in State College, Pennsylvania, stands at $47.52. This figure is lower than the national hourly median of $51.15, reflecting local economic factors and living costs. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a significant income while allowing for flexibility. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists often thrive in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. As a result, the hourly pay can vary significantly, ranging from $38.54 for entry-level positions to $62.50 for top earners, showcasing the diverse earning potential in the region while being grounded in 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data.
About the State College 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) | $38.54 | $308.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.51 | $332.09 |
| Median (P50) | $47.52 | $380.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.09 | $440.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.50 | $500.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in State College
Based on $47.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.52/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in State College, PA can expect to earn approximately $98,832 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,018. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in State College.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in State College
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.62 | $8,236 | $98,832 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.37 | $4,942 | $59,299 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.25 | $3,294 | $39,533 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (State College) | $47.52 |
| 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 State College, PA earn a median of $98,822 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.12% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,587.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.52/hr = $59,299/year (purchasing power: $60,882).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,832/year (purchasing power: $101,470).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in State College (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in State College grew 30.0% from $34.81/hr (2019) to $45.27/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.87/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 State College 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 State College
The earning potential for part-time workers in this field is notable, especially for those working 24 hours a week, which could yield lower annual earnings compared to full-time employment. In per-diem roles, nuclear medicine technologists can command impressive hourly rates, ranging from $55 to $80, particularly at outpatient oncology centers where PET/CT techs may earn $65 to $95 per hour. Moreover, theranostics-trained technologists, especially in advanced cancer therapy settings, are expected to earn on the higher end of the pay scale. Different employers across State College, such as hospital departments, outpatient imaging centers, and VA medical facilities, also influence hourly compensation. While some may choose jobs with higher pay but no benefits, negotiating effectively can lead to more favorable terms. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for professionals navigating their career paths and compensation strategies in this evolving field.
More salary data for State College, 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 State College. 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 State College 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