Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Lakewood, CA: $171,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Lakewood, CA earns a median $171,807/year (≈ $82.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $151,907 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a nuclear medicine technologist in Lakewood, CA, is projected to earn a median annual salary of $171,807, significantly above the national median of $106,398. The local salary range spans from $135,556 at the lower end (P10) to $227,202 at the upper end (P90), showcasing a wide pay variance influenced largely by credentialing and specialized skills. Technologists with PET/CT certifications tend to command higher salaries compared to their SPECT-only counterparts. This pay disparity stems from the increasing demand for advanced imaging services in the region, driven by Lakewood's healthcare institutions adapting to the latest technological advancements. The figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrating an evolving job market for skilled practitioners.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $135,556 | $65.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $144,346 | $69.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $171,807 | $82.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $198,806 | $95.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $227,202 | $109.23 |
Median Salary Position
61.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,646 (2026 est.). At $171,807, the local median is 61.48% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $171,807/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,212 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +61.48% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $171,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.48% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.50% below the California state average of $176,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $171,807 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $151,907 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$125,870
2025 BLS Actual
$163,688
2026 Current Est.
$171,807
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $125,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,519 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,365 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,499 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,688 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $171,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,329 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $125,870 (2019) to $163,688 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,329 by 2027 — a total increase of $54,459 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $135,556 – $144,346 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $144,346 – $171,807 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $171,807 – $198,806 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $198,806 – $227,202 |
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 Lakewood
In Lakewood, the employment landscape reflects a robust local market for nuclear medicine technologists, with 19 professionals currently working in the area. However, the cost of living is noteworthy, with a cost of living index of 113.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be somewhat mitigated by higher local expenses. Among the various healthcare employers in Lakewood, those operating hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers generally offer the highest salaries. The variation in pay is largely driven by the type of credentialing—technologists skilled in PET/CT and with experience in theranostics typically receive a premium. To maximize earnings, pursuing additional on-call coverage, cross-training in CT, and gaining experience in high-demand settings like cardiology or mobile imaging can be effective strategies in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
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
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 $163,688 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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