Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $50.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $50.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Ridge, Virginia, the projected hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist stands at $50.59, which is slightly below the national median of $51.15. This competitive hourly rate can be advantageous for part-time employees working three days a week, allowing them to effectively balance work and personal commitments. Those interested in per-diem opportunities within hospital nuclear medicine suites or outpatient PET/CT imaging centers might find themselves earning between $39.92 and $65.10 per hour, depending on their experience and specific qualifications. The spectrum of pay in Lake Ridge highlights the potential earnings for entry-level technologists at approximately $39.92 per hour up to seasoned professionals who can command rates nearing $65.10.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $39.92 | $319.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.37 | $346.96 |
| Median (P50) | $50.59 | $404.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.93 | $463.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.10 | $520.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $50.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.59/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $105,229 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,709. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,023.63 | $8,769 | $105,229 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.18 | $5,261 | $63,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.45 | $3,508 | $42,091 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Lake Ridge) | $50.59 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $105,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $109,831.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.59/hr = $63,137/year (purchasing power: $61,179).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,229/year (purchasing power: $101,966).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lake Ridge grew 30.0% from $37.06/hr (2019) to $48.20/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.10/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
Focusing on the financial outlook for part-time nuclear medicine technologists, those working a 24-hour schedule could see earnings significantly diverging from their full-time counterparts. Many prefer the flexibility of per-diem work, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour for standard roles, and even higher for specializations such as PET/CT and theranostics, where experienced workers can earn upwards of $95 per hour at specialized facilities. Variance in hourly pay exists depending on the type of employer, whether it’s a hospital setting, outpatient center, or mobile imaging company. While some may opt for positions that offer lower hourly rates alongside health benefits, others choose roles that feature higher pay but lack additional perks. For those negotiating their pay in Lake Ridge, it can be advantageous to emphasize specialized training or certifications, particularly in emerging fields such as theranostics, to command a higher rate.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Lake Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Lake Ridge?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Lake Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Lake Ridge?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Ridge?
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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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