Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $44.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Columbia, SC runs $44.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,094 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $44.15, which falls below the national median of $51.15. This discrepancy reflects the regional cost of living and job market conditions. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically totaling around 24 hours, the compensation can be attractive for those looking to balance work and personal life. For per-diem nuclear medicine technologists, the potential for higher earnings exists; the demand in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers can provide a flexible income. In Columbia, hourly wages range from $38.73 at the entry-level (10th percentile) to $49.44 for experienced professionals (90th percentile), making this field appealing for both full and part-time workers.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.93 | $311.44 |
| Median (P50) | $44.15 | $353.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.90 | $375.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.44 | $395.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $44.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.15/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $91,824 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,975. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,765.85 | $7,652 | $91,824 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,059.51 | $4,591 | $55,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.34 | $3,061 | $36,730 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Columbia) | $44.15 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $91,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.70% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 5.70% below the South Carolina state average of $97,369.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.15/hr = $55,094/year (purchasing power: $58,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,824/year (purchasing power: $98,038).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Columbia grew 34.1% from $31.37/hr (2019) to $42.06/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.34/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Analyzing the earning potential reveals that part-time nuclear medicine technologists in Columbia can take home a respectable income while maintaining limited hours. For example, a 24-hour workweek would yield an annual income of approximately $55,000 if consistently held high-paying shifts. Per-diem opportunities can be notably lucrative, as many nuclear medicine technologists report billing between $55 and $80 per hour, particularly in PET/CT oncology environments, where the higher demand for advanced imaging skills commands premium pay. Employers such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and theranostics clinics offer varied rates, with theranostics-trained techs potentially earning the most due to their specialized expertise. However, salary often comes with trade-offs—some may choose lower paying jobs that offer health benefits over higher hourly rates in per-diem arrangements. Those negotiating hourly wages in Columbia should not only consider their base pay but also weigh the total benefits package, ensuring that their choices align with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Columbia, 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 Columbia. 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, 6-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