Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Radford, VA: $50.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Radford, VA runs $50.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,019 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Radford's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,006 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radford, Virginia, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly pay of $50.49, which is slightly below the national median of $51.15. These figures reflect the financial landscape for professionals engaged in settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, the hourly rate presents an attractive option. With the hourly range spanning from $40.70 for entry-level positions to $61.15 for top earners, individuals can potentially create a sustainable income by working three days a week or picking up shifts as needed. These estimates derive from annual salary data, but they offer a realistic perspective on what technologists can expect to earn for their vital contributions to patient care.
About the Radford 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) | $40.70 | $325.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.82 | $366.52 |
| Median (P50) | $50.49 | $403.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.65 | $445.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.15 | $489.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Radford
Based on $50.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.49/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Radford, VA can expect to earn approximately $105,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,583. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Radford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Radford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,019.43 | $8,751 | $105,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,211.66 | $5,251 | $63,006 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $807.77 | $3,500 | $42,004 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Radford) | $50.49 |
| 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 Radford, VA earn a median of $105,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.30% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $109,852.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.49/hr = $63,006/year (purchasing power: $61,053).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,010/year (purchasing power: $101,754).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Radford grew 30.0% from $36.99/hr (2019) to $48.10/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.99/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 Radford 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 Radford
Exploring the financial dynamics of this profession reveals nuanced earning potential, particularly for part-time nuclear medicine technologists working 24 hours a week. While full-time workers may command a more regular paycheck, part-time roles can still deliver substantial annual earnings, albeit lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem rates often reach between $55-$80/hr, enabling nuclear medicine technologists to negotiate for higher hourly pay, especially in specialized fields like PET/CT and theranostics. In Radford, these rates can significantly differ based on the type of employer, such as hospitals, outpatient centers, or VA medical facilities. Additionally, choosing between slightly lower hourly rates with health benefits versus higher pay without benefits can present a dilemma for many. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, engaging in negotiations and understanding the market landscape for their specific skill set can provide a significant financial edge.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
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 Radford. 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 Radford 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