Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Fontana, CA: $183,324 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Fontana, CA earns a median $183,324/year (≈ $88.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $162,090 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fontana, California, nuclear medicine technologists are positioned for significant earning potential, with a projected median annual salary of $183,324 in 2026. This figure notably exceeds the national median of $106,398, highlighting the premium associated with careers in this field locally. Salaries range from $130,648 at the 10th percentile to $251,412 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a robust earning potential influenced by proficiency in theranostics and PET/CT technology. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities, reflect the growing demand for advanced imaging modalities in patient care and the competitive landscape of nuclear medicine practice in the region. This high level of compensation is an attractive feature for professionals considering or currently working in Fontana's healthcare market.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $130,648 | $62.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $148,903 | $71.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $183,324 | $88.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $215,965 | $103.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $251,412 | $120.87 |
Median Salary Position
72.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,764 (2026 est.). At $183,324, the local median is 72.3% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Fontana median: $183,324/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,273 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $106,398 | +72.30% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Fontana, CA earn a median of $183,324 per year (2026 est.), which is 72.30% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 4.00% above the California state average of $176,273.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $183,324 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $162,090 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$134,308
2025 BLS Actual
$174,661
2026 Current Est.
$183,324
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $134,308 | Actual |
| 2020 | $137,134 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,704 | Actual |
| 2022 | $146,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $159,378 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $174,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $183,324 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $192,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $134,308 (2019) to $174,661 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $192,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $58,109 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $130,648 – $148,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $148,903 – $183,324 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $183,324 – $215,965 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $215,965 – $251,412 |
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 Fontana
The local employment scene includes approximately 32 nuclear medicine technologists, contributing to a dynamic job market. However, the cost of living index in Fontana is at 113.1, slightly above the national average, adding a layer of complexity to salary considerations. Outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and theranostics facilities, particularly those offering lutetium-177 therapies, tend to provide the most lucrative opportunities, outpacing traditional hospital roles. Factors such as qualifications in both PET/CT and SPECT imaging, on-call duties, and cross-training in CT imaging significantly influence pay disparities among positions. To maximize earnings in this competitive setting, technologists should aim to expand their skill set to include advanced imaging techniques and pursue certifications recognized by the SNMMI-TS and NMTCB, which may yield higher compensation rates in this evolving field.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Fontana?
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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 $174,661 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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