Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $40.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Pierre, SD runs $40.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,524 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, nuclear medicine technologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $40.16 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $51.15. This hourly pay translates to a substantial income for professionals working in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For instance, part-time professionals working three days a week might earn around $32,000 annually based on this hourly rate, providing an attractive paycheck while also allowing flexibility. Entry-level technologists may earn closer to $31.32 per hour, which can rise to $51.05 for high earners in the field, showcasing potential growth for those in this essential healthcare role.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.32 | $250.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.45 | $291.62 |
| Median (P50) | $40.16 | $321.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.75 | $366.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.05 | $408.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $40.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.16/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $83,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,189. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,606.31 | $6,961 | $83,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $963.78 | $4,176 | $50,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $642.52 | $2,784 | $33,411 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Pierre) | $40.16 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $83,524 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.50% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $88,855.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.16/hr = $50,117/year (purchasing power: $54,005).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,528/year (purchasing power: $90,009).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Pierre grew 30.0% from $29.42/hr (2019) to $38.26/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.15/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
When examining the earning opportunities for nuclear medicine technologists in Pierre, part-time workers can find attractive options, particularly when considering the per diem landscape. While full-time technologists may have a stable income, many opt for per diem roles that offer rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, especially in advanced fields such as theranostics and outpatient oncology centers, where experienced techs command top-tier rates. This could lead to considerable annual earnings for those willing to work sporadically. Additionally, hourly wages may differ significantly based on the employment setting. For example, VA medical centers or outpatient PET/CT imaging centers often provide different pay scales. Moreover, nuclear medicine technologists must balance their choices carefully; while higher hourly wages in per diem jobs may seem appealing, they often come without benefits like health insurance. Successful negotiations for hourly work in Pierre should focus on emphasizing the value of the skills acquired through NMTCB or ARRT(N) accreditation, especially as PET/CT and theranostics modalities continue to expand.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Pierre in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Pierre?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Pierre paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Pierre?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Pierre?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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