Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $50.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Tukwila, WA runs $50.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,623 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,373 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tukwila, Washington, the projected hourly pay for nuclear medicine technologists stands at $50.78, which is slightly below the national median of $51.15. This hourly rate is particularly advantageous for part-time workers or those seeking per-diem roles in various medical environments, such as hospital nuclear medicine suites or specialized PET/CT imaging centers. Part-time professionals working three days a week can still achieve a respectable income, with the ability to capitalize on their specialized skills. For entry-level nuclear medicine technologists, starting pay typically begins around $42.53, while experienced and top earners can reach as high as $63.02 per hour, illustrating the financial growth potential within this profession.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.53 | $340.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.94 | $351.49 |
| Median (P50) | $50.78 | $406.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.91 | $455.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.02 | $504.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $50.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.78/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $105,622 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,936. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,031.19 | $8,802 | $105,622 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,218.71 | $5,281 | $63,373 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.47 | $3,521 | $42,249 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Tukwila) | $50.78 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $105,623 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $114,311.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.78/hr = $63,373/year (purchasing power: $59,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,622/year (purchasing power: $98,344).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tukwila grew 30.0% from $37.20/hr (2019) to $48.38/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.30/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
When examining the earning potential in Tukwila, those opting for part-time work as nuclear medicine technologists often take home substantial annual incomes compared to full-time workers due to the flexibility of scheduling. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in the area can range significantly, with rates from $55 to $80 per hour being quite common; techs focused on PET/CT imaging might command between $65 and $95, particularly in outpatient oncology settings. Similarly, theranostics-trained professionals at advanced cancer treatment centers may enjoy top-end rates that reflect their specialized expertise. It is essential to note how hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer—hospital departments might offer different compensation structures than mobile imaging services or outpatient practices. Technologists considering their options should weigh the advantages of employer-provided benefits against potentially higher hourly rates from per-diem work, as some may settle for lower pay with the security of health insurance. For those in Tukwila, strong negotiation skills can lead to better compensation, especially as the demand in fields like PET/CT and theranostics continues to rise.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Tukwila?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Tukwila?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
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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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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