Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $49.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $49.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,185 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $49.03. This figure trails slightly behind the national hourly median of $51.15, highlighting the local market dynamics. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, taking home a respectable paycheck is quite feasible, given the crucial roles these technologists play in hospitals, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress test rooms. Entry-level positions typically start at $38.06 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $62.73 per hour, reflecting a broad range of expertise and experience prevalent within the sector.
About the Wilkes-Barre 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) | $38.06 | $304.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.72 | $333.77 |
| Median (P50) | $49.03 | $392.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.78 | $446.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.73 | $501.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $49.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.03/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $101,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,832. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,961.07 | $8,498 | $101,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.64 | $5,099 | $61,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.43 | $3,399 | $40,790 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Wilkes-Barre) | $49.03 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $101,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.15% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $103,641.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.03/hr = $61,185/year (purchasing power: $62,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,976/year (purchasing power: $104,698).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Wilkes-Barre grew 30.0% from $35.92/hr (2019) to $46.71/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.46/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists, the annual earnings for those working 24 hours a week become increasingly attractive. Based on estimates, they could potentially earn over $61,000 annually, while full-time positions may lead to higher collective compensation. Those seeking flexibility may find per diem roles appealing; such workers often charge between $55-$80 per hour, while specialists in PET/CT and theranostics can secure rates from $65 up to $95 per hour. Variability in pay frequently stems from employment type, with hospitals potentially offering steadier hours and benefits compared to outpatient centers or mobile imaging companies. Nevertheless, some professionals may prefer the higher hourly rates available via per diem work, weighing their options between immediate cash pay and the security of traditional employment benefits. Negotiation remains a key skill for hourly workers in Wilkes-Barre, with strategies focusing on demonstrating unique qualifications in areas like SPECT or PET/CT to secure the best possible rates.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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