Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Carlsbad, CA: $169,010 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Carlsbad, CA earns a median $169,010/year (≈ $81.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Carlsbad's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $149,434 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Carlsbad, California, can anticipate a median annual salary of $169,010 in 2026, which significantly surpasses the national median of $106,398 by approximately 58.85%. The salary range reflects considerable diversity, from $131,964 at the 10th percentile to $230,454 for those in positions that command top pay. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances. In the Carlsbad market, compensation is influenced heavily by credentialing, particularly between those trained in PET/CT versus SPECT-only modalities, leading to a pay disparity that highlights the importance of advanced certification in enhancing earning potential.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $131,964 | $63.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $142,043 | $68.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $169,010 | $81.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,989 | $95.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $230,454 | $110.80 |
Median Salary Position
58.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,490 (2026 est.). At $169,010, the local median is 58.85% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carlsbad: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carlsbad Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Carlsbad median: $169,010/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carlsbad Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,235 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +58.85% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $169,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 58.85% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 4.10% below the California state average of $176,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carlsbad has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carlsbad, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $169,010 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $149,434 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$123,821
2025 BLS Actual
$161,023
2026 Current Est.
$169,010
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,821 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,426 | Actual |
| 2021 | $125,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $135,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $146,933 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,524 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,023 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,010 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $177,393 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carlsbad metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $123,821 (2019) to $161,023 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $177,393 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,572 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carlsbad 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $131,964 – $142,043 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $142,043 – $169,010 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $169,010 – $198,989 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,989 – $230,454 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Carlsbad
In Carlsbad, a market with 23 employed nuclear medicine technologists, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating a higher-than-average living expense that impacts take-home pay. To maximize earnings in this environment, professionals should target employment within outpatient PET/CT imaging centers or specialized theranostics facilities, as these sectors offer the highest salaries. Roles in cardiology practices with nuclear cardiology or even mobile PET imaging companies can also be lucrative, depending on the demand for on-call coverage and CT cross-training skills. With the rising importance of theranostic therapies, technologists who are well-versed in these areas may command a premium. Thus, focusing on continued education and obtaining dual certifications can significantly enhance a nuclear medicine technologist's pay in Carlsbad, CA.
More salary data for Carlsbad, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Carlsbad?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $161,023 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Carlsbad metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carlsbad 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