Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $46.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Kingsport, TN runs $46.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,251 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Kingsport, TN, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $46.68, which is below the national median of $51.15. For those considering part-time or per-diem positions, this hourly rate translates to varying weekly earnings depending on individual schedules. For instance, a nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week typically puts in 24 hours, allowing for a stable income while maintaining work-life balance. The hourly pay range in this profession spans from $36.89 for entry-level positions to $63.45 for more experienced technologists, reflecting the diverse skill levels and settings in which they work, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. These estimates are derived from the annual salary data projected for 2026, indicating a robust earning potential even for those not engaged in full-time roles.
About the Kingsport Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.89 | $295.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.33 | $322.61 |
| Median (P50) | $46.68 | $373.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.16 | $441.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.45 | $507.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $46.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.68/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $97,085 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,011. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,867.03 | $8,090 | $97,085 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,120.22 | $4,854 | $58,251 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.81 | $3,236 | $38,834 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Kingsport) | $46.68 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $97,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 0.60% below the Tennessee state average of $97,681.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.68/hr = $58,251/year (purchasing power: $63,455).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,085/year (purchasing power: $105,758).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Kingsport grew 30.0% from $34.20/hr (2019) to $44.47/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.99/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
When considering the broader picture, a part-time nuclear medicine technologist, working just 24 hours a week, could see an annual income of around $58,126, highlighting a significant income opportunity even beyond full-time positions. Per-diem or agency workers in Kingsport typically command higher rates; they often charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with PET/CT technologists in outpatient oncology settings reaching about $65 to $95 per hour, and theranostics techs at quaternary hospitals receiving top rates. While full-time positions may offer a steadier paycheck alongside health benefits, many opt for per diem roles to benefit from higher hourly pay without the constraints of a regular schedule. In Kingsport, the pay variation also reflects employer types, with hospitals offering steady employment and outpatient centers providing lucrative incentives. Technologists should consider not only their desired hourly rate but also the accompanying benefits, weighing their priorities when negotiating contracts in a competitive job market for nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay in Kingsport.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Kingsport in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Kingsport?
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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 Kingsport. 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 Kingsport 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