Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Aiken, SC: $46.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Aiken, SC runs $46.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,538 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Aiken's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,924 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aiken, South Carolina, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay is projected to be $46.41 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $51.15. This hourly wage reflects the earning potential for technicians in various employment scenarios, including part-time workers who may typically operate three days a week, gaining flexibility in their schedules. Such roles are often found in hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For those just entering the profession, hourly pay can start around $36.82, while experienced technicians can earn upwards of $60.08, depending on their expertise and the specific demands of their positions. The figures for hourly compensation are estimated from the annual salary projections, providing a clearer picture of what technologists can expect to take home on a per-hour basis.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.82 | $294.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.94 | $319.50 |
| Median (P50) | $46.41 | $371.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.23 | $425.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.08 | $480.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aiken
Based on $46.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.41/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aiken, SC can expect to earn approximately $96,540 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,696. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aiken.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aiken
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,856.53 | $8,045 | $96,540 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,113.92 | $4,827 | $57,924 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $742.61 | $3,218 | $38,616 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Aiken) | $46.41 |
| 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 Aiken, SC earn a median of $96,538 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.27% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $97,317.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.41/hr = $57,924/year (purchasing power: $63,305).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,540/year (purchasing power: $105,508).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Aiken grew 30.0% from $34.00/hr (2019) to $44.22/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.72/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 Aiken 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 Aiken
For a nuclear medicine technologist working part-time at a rate of $46.41 for 24 hours weekly, they might anticipate an annual income of around $58,587, significantly less than full-time peers but appealing for those valuing work-life balance. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Aiken are part of an evolving employment landscape and commonly bill $55-$80 per hour, particularly in outpatient settings like oncology centers, where PET/CT specialists can earn $65-$95. The variety in pay depends heavily on the type of employer, with specialized centers such as theranostics facilities offering higher rates for those trained in advanced therapies like Lutathera. Technologists must weigh the benefits of adequate health insurance when choosing between positions with lower hourly rates versus those with higher compensation but fewer benefits. To negotiate effectively, it’s wise to research local salary ranges and be clear about the value one brings, particularly given the rising demand for skills in PET/CT and theranostics.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
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 Aiken. 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 Aiken 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