Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $43.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $43.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,785 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, earn a median hourly rate of $43.17, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.15. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a solid income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. Per-diem roles, often found in hospital nuclear medicine suites or mobile PET trailers, typically offer competitive pay rates that can vary significantly based on experience and specialization. The hourly range for technologists in the area spans from $34.19 for entry-level positions (P10) to $55.82 for the top earners (P90), reflecting a diverse field where newer graduates may start at a lower rate while experienced professionals command higher compensation, particularly in high-demand areas like theranostics and PET/CT imaging.
About the Vestavia Hills 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) | $34.19 | $273.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.10 | $296.83 |
| Median (P50) | $43.17 | $345.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.47 | $395.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.82 | $446.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $43.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.17/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $89,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,804. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,726.80 | $7,483 | $89,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,036.08 | $4,490 | $53,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.72 | $2,993 | $35,917 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Vestavia Hills) | $43.17 |
| 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 Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $89,785 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.61% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $93,526.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.17/hr = $53,876/year (purchasing power: $61,293).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,794/year (purchasing power: $102,154).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Vestavia Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Vestavia Hills grew 30.0% from $31.63/hr (2019) to $41.13/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.31/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 Vestavia Hills 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 Vestavia Hills
Evaluating the part-time earning potential for a nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can still be substantial, sitting around $53,890 when multiplied by a standard work schedule. In contrast, per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Vestavia Hills can be much higher, with many professionals billing between $55 and $80 per hour depending on the facility and their specific skill set. For those employed in outpatient oncology centers with PET/CT imaging capabilities, rates can reach $65-$95 per hour. Furthermore, job types also impact hourly wages; hospitals typically provide more stable employment with benefits, while outpatient settings often offer higher pay without full-time benefits. Finding the right balance is essential, and negotiating for higher hourly wages at specialty centers versus accepting lower rates for comprehensive benefits can be a pivotal decision for many in the field. Understanding local trends, needs, and the value of specialization can help technologists make informed choices about their careers in Vestavia Hills.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Vestavia Hills?
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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
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 Vestavia Hills. 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 Vestavia Hills 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