Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $83.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Alhambra, CA runs $83.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $173,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For a nuclear medicine technologist in Alhambra, California, the median hourly rate is estimated at $83.52 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $51.15. This competitive pay level presents attractive opportunities for those interested in part-time or per-diem roles, especially for professionals working three days a week in settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, or cardiac stress test rooms. Newcomers to the field may see starting hourly wages around $67.34, while seasoned technologists can command up to $112.25 per hour, making this profession appealing across the experience spectrum. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salaries, offering a clear picture of potential earnings in the vibrant healthcare community of Alhambra.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67.34 | $538.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73.08 | $584.67 |
| Median (P50) | $83.52 | $668.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.55 | $756.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.25 | $898.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $83.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.52/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $173,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,220. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,340.67 | $14,476 | $173,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,004.40 | $8,686 | $104,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,336.27 | $5,790 | $69,486 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Alhambra) | $83.52 |
| 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 Alhambra, CA earn a median of $173,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 63.26% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.50% below the California state average of $176,351.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.52/hr = $104,229/year (purchasing power: $92,156).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $173,715/year (purchasing power: $153,594).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $62.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Alhambra grew 30.0% from $61.19/hr (2019) to $79.57/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.66/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 Alhambra 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 Alhambra
Part-time nuclear medicine technologists working in Alhambra, who log around 24 hours each week, can expect annual earnings that vary substantially compared to their full-time counterparts. Frequently, per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in the area ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology centers earning between $65 and $95 per hour, and specialized theranostics-trained technologists at quaternary cancer centers can expect premium compensation. Hourly rates tend to fluctuate based on the employer type; hospital settings often offer benefits that may reduce the hourly pay but provide secure health insurance, while outpatient centers might offer higher pay without benefits. This dynamic influences many technologists’ decisions—some may opt for lower hourly rates to ensure access to health insurance, highlighting a balance between pay and job security. Those seeking optimal salaries during negotiations should highlight specialized certifications, such as NMTCB or ARRT(N) credentials, which can bolster their market position, particularly in a growing field that includes exciting advancements like PET/CT and theranostics.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Alhambra?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Alhambra?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Alhambra. 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 Alhambra 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