Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $53.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Tumwater, WA runs $53.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,858 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,119 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tumwater, Washington, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $53.78, which is notably higher than the national average of $51.15. This competitive pay indicates robust opportunities for those working part-time in various clinical settings, such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and dedicated theranostics infusion suites. For instance, a technologist working a three-day work week can expect to earn substantial income through this hourly pay structure, making it appealing for those seeking flexibility. With entry-level positions starting around $41.27 and experienced technologists potentially reaching $71.56 an hour, the hourly range reflects the demand and skill level required in this specialized field. Such earnings are estimates derived from annual salary data, presenting a clear incentive for aspiring professionals considering careers in nuclear medicine.
About the Tumwater 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) | $41.27 | $330.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.49 | $379.96 |
| Median (P50) | $53.78 | $430.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.68 | $477.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.56 | $572.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $53.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.78/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $111,866 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,538. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,151.26 | $9,322 | $111,866 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,290.76 | $5,593 | $67,119 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.50 | $3,729 | $44,746 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Tumwater) | $53.78 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $111,858 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.13% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.10% below the Washington state average of $114,257.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.78/hr = $67,119/year (purchasing power: $62,495).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,866/year (purchasing power: $104,158).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tumwater grew 30.0% from $39.40/hr (2019) to $51.24/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.45/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
For those opting to work part-time and looking for a consistent yet flexible schedule, the earnings in this role can vary significantly from full-time positions. A nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week will take home considerably less annually than someone in a full-time, 40-hour position, but still benefits from the attractive hourly rate. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Tumwater often charge between $55 and $80 per hour, offering a practical option for those seeking high pay without long-term commitments. Specialized technologists working in environments like outpatient oncology who conduct PET/CT procedures may earn between $65 to $95 per hour, while those trained in theranostics therapies can command even higher rates. Furthermore, the earning potential is influenced by employer type, with differences between hospitals and specialized facilities affecting pay. Those willing to sacrifice some hourly pay for health benefits can find traditional roles in hospitals more advantageous compared to agencies or per diem positions that might offer higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. For local technologists, negotiating hours and pay based on their skills and certifications is crucial, especially in a market where proficiency in emerging areas like theranostics is increasingly valued.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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