Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $44.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Lexington, SC runs $44.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,957 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Lexington, SC, can expect an hourly median pay of $44.21, which is notably lower than the national average of $51.15. This hourly rate can significantly benefit part-time workers and per-diem professionals, especially in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers. Part-time professionals working three days a week can maintain a flexible schedule while earning a steady income, with entry-level positions starting at around $34.69 and experienced technologists earning up to $54.01 per hour. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the vital role that nuclear medicine technologists play in healthcare facilities within Lexington.
About the Lexington 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) | $34.69 | $277.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.69 | $301.53 |
| Median (P50) | $44.21 | $353.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.02 | $392.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.01 | $432.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $44.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.21/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $91,955 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,051. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,768.37 | $7,663 | $91,955 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,061.02 | $4,598 | $55,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $707.35 | $3,065 | $36,782 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Lexington) | $44.21 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $91,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.57% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $97,308.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.21/hr = $55,173/year (purchasing power: $60,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,955/year (purchasing power: $100,497).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lexington grew 30.0% from $32.39/hr (2019) to $42.12/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.40/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
For those contemplating part-time work, a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours weekly can bring in a respectable annual income despite not working full-time. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists often charge between $55 to $80 per hour, with PET/CT specialists at outpatient oncology centers potentially earning $65 to $95 hourly and theranostics-trained professionals at quaternary cancer centers commanding even higher rates. Employers in Lexington, ranging from cardiology practices to mobile PET imaging companies, offer varying hourly rates that reflect the demand for skilled technicians. Generally, technologists must weigh the benefits of stability and health insurance versus the higher pay of contract or agency positions which come without additional perks. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can further enhance earnings, especially in a market characterized by different employer types and their specific needs.
More salary data for Lexington, 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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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