Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $52.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Roanoke, VA runs $52.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,865 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,325 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With an estimated hourly rate of $52.34 for 2026, Roanoke's nuclear medicine technologists enjoy a slight edge over the national median of $51.15. This rate provides significant opportunities for professionals in various work settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient imaging centers specializing in PET/CT, and mobile PET trailers. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, the pay can be quite lucrative, allowing individuals to maintain a balanced work-life arrangement while still earning a solid income. Entry-level positions may start at around $40.20, progressing up to $70.17 for experienced technologists. Given the salary estimates are derived from annual data, these hourly figures provide valuable insight into the earning potential across different experience levels within the field in Roanoke, VA.
About the Roanoke 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) | $40.20 | $321.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.50 | $356.02 |
| Median (P50) | $52.34 | $418.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.03 | $488.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.17 | $561.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $52.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.34/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $108,875 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,812. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,093.74 | $9,073 | $108,875 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,256.25 | $5,444 | $65,325 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $837.50 | $3,629 | $43,550 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Roanoke) | $52.34 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $108,865 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.32% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.90% below the Virginia state average of $109,853.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.34/hr = $65,325/year (purchasing power: $63,299).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,875/year (purchasing power: $105,499).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+57.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Roanoke grew 42.8% from $34.93/hr (2019) to $49.87/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.94/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
Examining the financial prospects for a nuclear medicine technologist in Roanoke reveals compelling potential for part-time work. A technologist working 24 hours a week will earn approximately $64,225 annually—significantly lower than full-time earnings, yet still providing a comfortable income depending on lifestyle choices. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Roanoke can be even more advantageous; experienced professionals often bill between $55 and $80 per hour, with some PET/CT techs in high-demand outpatient settings reaching $65 to $95 per hour. Slightly lower remuneration may come from hospital settings, while specialized environments like theranostics offer competitive salaries to attract seasoned technologists trained in cutting-edge therapies. Negotiating hourly rates is essential; techs should consider the full benefits package when weighing job offers, as some positions may offer financial stability over higher hourly pay without benefits. In an evolving landscape influenced by PET/CT and theranostics advancements, understanding these dynamics will empower workers to make informed career choices in Roanoke.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Roanoke in 2026?
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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 Roanoke. 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 Roanoke 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