Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $52.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Blacksburg, VA runs $52.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,899 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,338 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist in Blacksburg, VA, is projected to be $52.35, which is slightly higher than the national median hourly rate of $51.15. This favorable hourly wage offers a competitive edge for part-time workers within various clinical settings, such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For those considering part-time roles, working just three days a week can result in a significant income, particularly as the hourly range stretches from $41.49 for entry-level positions up to $67.66 for experienced top earners. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, suggest a solid earning potential for technologists in this vibrant community of Blacksburg, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements while still achieving a commendable income.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.49 | $331.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.06 | $360.47 |
| Median (P50) | $52.35 | $418.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.09 | $480.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.66 | $541.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $52.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.35/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $108,896 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,825. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,094.16 | $9,075 | $108,896 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,256.50 | $5,445 | $65,338 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $837.66 | $3,630 | $43,559 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Blacksburg) | $52.35 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $108,899 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $109,777.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.35/hr = $65,338/year (purchasing power: $63,312).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,896/year (purchasing power: $105,520).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Blacksburg grew 30.0% from $38.36/hr (2019) to $49.88/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.95/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
While full-time nuclear medicine technologists may enjoy stable annual earnings, part-time practitioners who work 24 hours a week can bring home a substantial income given the local rates. A per diem nuclear medicine technologist in Blacksburg often charges between $55 and $80 per hour, especially in facilities specializing in advanced procedures like PET/CT or theranostics treatments. This premium reflects the increasing demand for qualified professionals as the field evolves. Additionally, hourly rates may differ based on employer types; professionals working in hospital settings might earn less than those in specialized outpatient oncology centers where therapeutic applications likely yield higher compensation. Seeking positions that offer health benefits may lead to a lower hourly rate but could provide valuable security, a trade-off for technologists to consider during job negotiations. Those aiming to maximize their earning potential are encouraged to research wage scales in various sectors and effectively negotiate their hourly pay to reflect their unique skill sets and experience within the growing nuclear medicine field in Blacksburg.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Blacksburg?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Blacksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Blacksburg?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Blacksburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Blacksburg. 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 Blacksburg 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