Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $43.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Opelika, AL runs $43.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,330 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, the hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist is projected to be $43.43 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $51.15. This disparity means that those working part-time, say three days a week with an average of 24 hours, might find it challenging to match their peers’ earnings nationally. Per-diem workers in the field may enjoy flexible schedules and variable opportunities, often working in settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, hot labs, and outpatient imaging centers. With an hourly range starting at $36.09 for entry-level positions and peaking at $56.55 for experienced technologists, there is a clear gradient of pay based on experience and expertise in technologies like theranostics and PET/CT.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.09 | $288.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.60 | $308.83 |
| Median (P50) | $43.43 | $347.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.11 | $400.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.55 | $452.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $43.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.43/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $90,339 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,119. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,737.30 | $7,528 | $90,339 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,042.38 | $4,517 | $54,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.92 | $3,011 | $36,136 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Opelika) | $43.43 |
| 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 Opelika, AL earn a median of $90,330 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $93,509.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.43/hr = $54,204/year (purchasing power: $61,665).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,339/year (purchasing power: $102,775).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Opelika grew 30.0% from $31.82/hr (2019) to $41.38/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.59/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 Opelika 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 Opelika
Considering the financial aspects of a part-time nuclear medicine technologist position, an individual working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $53,800 annually, which could be significantly lower compared to a full-time employee. In reality, per diem nuclear medicine technologists often charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology centers earning $65 to $95 per hour. The pay also varies based on the type of employer; those in hospitals might earn less than their counterparts in private clinics or mobile imaging companies. This leads many to weigh the benefits of full-time employment, which usually offers health insurance, against the higher per-hour pay of contract positions. For those in Opelika, negotiating rates might focus on highlighting specific certifications, such as those recognized by the NMTCB, along with experience in high-demand areas like theranostics, to secure more competitive pay.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Opelika?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Opelika paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Opelika?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Opelika?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 Opelika. 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 Opelika 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