Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Copperas Cove, TX: $47.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Copperas Cove, TX runs $47.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Copperas Cove's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Copperas Cove, a nuclear medicine technologist earns a median hourly pay of $47.47, which is slightly lower than the national median of $51.15. This pay structure is particularly relevant for those in part-time roles, typically working around three days a week, or per-diem positions that allow for flexibility. Facilities such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers offer varying hourly rates, with entry-level positions starting around $39.57 and top earners reaching $62.03. Given the diverse settings in which nuclear medicine technologists operate—ranging from cardiac stress test rooms to hot lab radiopharmacy areas—these hourly estimates reflect a broader industry standard derived from annual salary data.
About the Copperas Cove Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.57 | $316.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.21 | $329.66 |
| Median (P50) | $47.47 | $379.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.79 | $438.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.03 | $496.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Copperas Cove
Based on $47.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.47/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Copperas Cove, TX can expect to earn approximately $98,745 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,968. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Copperas Cove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Copperas Cove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,898.94 | $8,229 | $98,745 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,139.36 | $4,937 | $59,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $759.57 | $3,291 | $39,498 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Copperas Cove) | $47.47 |
| 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 Copperas Cove, TX earn a median of $98,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.19% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 3.30% below the Texas state average of $102,118.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.47/hr = $59,247/year (purchasing power: $61,715).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,745/year (purchasing power: $102,859).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Copperas Cove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Copperas Cove grew 30.0% from $34.78/hr (2019) to $45.23/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.83/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 Copperas Cove 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 Copperas Cove
For part-time nuclear medicine technologists working in Copperas Cove, a 24-hour workweek yields an annual income well below that of full-time counterparts. Those who choose per-diem roles may find opportunities to negotiate pay ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with PET/CT specialists potentially earning $65 to $95 per hour. Specific sectors like theranostics, particularly in quaternary cancer centers, can command even higher rates, reflecting their growing prominence in the field. Hourly wages fluctuate significantly based on whether one is employed at a hospital, an outpatient imaging center, or a mobile PET service. Many technologists must weigh the trade-off between lower hourly rates with health benefits at hospitals versus higher pay without benefits. Effective negotiation in this niche market can involve emphasizing specialized training in PET/CT or theranostics to secure better compensation. Understanding these dynamics can help prospective technologists in navigating their career choices in Copperas Cove.
More salary data for Copperas Cove, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Copperas Cove in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Copperas Cove?
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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 Copperas Cove. 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 Copperas Cove 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