Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Lufkin, TX: $46.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Lufkin, TX runs $46.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,949 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Lufkin's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,173 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lufkin, Texas, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $46.61, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $51.15. This rate provides a solid income for professionals working in various settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and cardiac stress testing rooms. The hourly pay range varies from $37.46 for entry-level positions to $59.13 for top earners in the field. For part-time and per-diem workers, often clocking in just three days a week, this translates to a manageable income while allowing for flexible schedules. The outlined hourly wages are obtained from projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data and give a better understanding for those looking to enter the profession or seeking additional per diem opportunities.
About the Lufkin 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) | $37.46 | $299.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.46 | $323.70 |
| Median (P50) | $46.61 | $372.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.87 | $422.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.13 | $473.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lufkin
Based on $46.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.61/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lufkin, TX can expect to earn approximately $96,954 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,935. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lufkin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lufkin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,864.51 | $8,080 | $96,954 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,118.71 | $4,848 | $58,173 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $745.80 | $3,232 | $38,782 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Lufkin) | $46.61 |
| 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 Lufkin, TX earn a median of $96,949 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $102,160.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.61/hr = $58,173/year (purchasing power: $60,597).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,954/year (purchasing power: $100,994).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lufkin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lufkin grew 30.0% from $34.15/hr (2019) to $44.41/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.92/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 Lufkin 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 Lufkin
The earning potential for part-time nuclear medicine technologists in Lufkin, working 24 hours a week, can still yield substantial annual returns, making it a viable option for many. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists often bill between $55 and $80 per hour, and specialized PET/CT techs at outpatient oncology centers typically see rates around $65 to $95 per hour. The varying employer types in Lufkin affect hourly rates as well; those at hospital nuclear medicine departments may receive lower pay compared to their peers at theranostics centers or mobile PET imaging companies, which can command premium rates. Furthermore, many techs face the trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. When negotiating pay, it helps to know that Lufkin's market is competitive, and being aware of these factors can ensure a fair compensation discussion.
More salary data for Lufkin, TX:
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 Lufkin. 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 Lufkin 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