Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Virginia Beach, VA: $50.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Virginia Beach, VA runs $50.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,582 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Virginia Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.9, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,744 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Virginia Beach, the median hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist is projected to be $50.28 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $51.15. This rate is significant for both part-time and per-diem nuclear medicine technologists working in local healthcare settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. With an hourly range of $41.82 to $54.36, these professionals can expect to earn more as they gain experience, with top earners likely harnessing advanced skills or specialized certifications. The data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS estimates, reflects the competitive nature of the field and the value placed on nuclear medicine technologists in the region.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.82 | $334.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.50 | $388.02 |
| Median (P50) | $50.28 | $402.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.36 | $434.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.36 | $434.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Virginia Beach
Based on $50.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.28/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Virginia Beach, VA can expect to earn approximately $104,574 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,331. With a cost-of-living index of 97.94 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Virginia Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Virginia Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,011.03 | $8,714 | $104,574 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,206.62 | $5,229 | $62,744 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $804.41 | $3,486 | $41,829 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Virginia Beach) | $50.28 |
| 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 Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $104,582 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.71% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.80% below the Virginia state average of $109,855.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.28/hr = $62,744/year (purchasing power: $64,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,574/year (purchasing power: $106,772).
CoL index: 97.941 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Virginia Beach grew 35.5% from $35.36/hr (2019) to $47.90/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.77/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 Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Working part-time as a nuclear medicine technologist in Virginia Beach can still yield a substantial annual income. For instance, a technician working three days a week and clocking in at 24 hours can expect to take home around $62,944 annually, which provides a comfortable income compared to many professions in the area. Per-diem or agency nuclear medicine technologists often command rates between $55 and $80 per hour, which significantly boosts their annual take-home pay, particularly for those working in outpatient oncology centers or theranostics facilities, where specialized skills are in demand. Hourly rates tend to differ based on employer types: while hospitals may provide benefits that justify a lower hourly wage, mobile imaging companies or outpatient centers might offer higher rates to attract qualified personnel. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding the regional market and the specific demands of each setting is crucial to achieving the best compensation package while balancing benefits and pay.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Virginia Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Virginia Beach?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Virginia Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Virginia Beach?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Virginia Beach?
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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 Virginia Beach. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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