Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Westminster, CA: $178,187 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Westminster, CA earns a median $178,187/year (≈ $85.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Westminster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $157,548 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual nuclear medicine technologist salary in Westminster, California is $178,187, significantly higher than the national median of $106,398. This steep incline in local pay reflects the importance of credentials, particularly the split between PET/CT and SPECT-only certifications, which greatly influences the salary range that varies from $136,028 at the 10th percentile to $237,349 at the 90th percentile. These figures result from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, which can be demanding in this area, showcasing the robust compensation structure for technologists who can operate in both PET/CT and traditional nuclear imaging modalities.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $136,028 | $65.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $150,734 | $72.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $178,187 | $85.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $207,215 | $99.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $237,349 | $114.11 |
Median Salary Position
67.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westminster
In Westminster, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,321 (2026 est.). At $178,187, the local median is 67.47% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westminster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westminster Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Westminster median: $178,187/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westminster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,249 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $106,398 | +67.47% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Westminster, CA earn a median of $178,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 67.47% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.10% above the California state average of $176,249.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westminster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westminster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $178,187 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $157,548 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,545
2025 BLS Actual
$169,767
2026 Current Est.
$178,187
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,545 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,854 | Actual |
| 2023 | $154,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,903 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,767 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $178,187 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $187,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westminster metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $130,545 (2019) to $169,767 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $187,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $56,481 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster 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) | $136,028 – $150,734 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $150,734 – $178,187 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $178,187 – $207,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $207,215 – $237,349 |
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 Westminster
The local job market for nuclear medicine technologists in Westminster is comparatively solid, with around 21 professionals employed in this field. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are compelling, living expenses are above the national average, which can impact disposable income. Employers such as outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and specialized cardiology practices generally offer the highest pay. The disparity in earnings can often be traced back to the essential role of PET/CT training and experience at theranostics centers, as well as the need for on-call coverage involving radiopharmaceuticals. Technologists aiming for maximum pay should consider enhancing their qualifications with PET/CT and theranostics training, since employers value these competencies highly in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Westminster, CA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Westminster?
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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 $169,767 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Westminster 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 Westminster 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