Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $81.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Carlsbad, CA runs $81.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $169,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $71.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly pay of $81.25, substantially higher than the national hourly median of $51.15. This competitive rate offers ample opportunities for part-time work, especially for those looking to fill 3-day work weeks. Technologists can find positions in various settings, such as hospital nuclear medicine suites and outpatient imaging centers, making this role attractive to both full-time and per-diem professionals. The hourly pay range extends from $63.45 for entry-level positions to $110.80 for experienced top earners in the field, indicating favorable compensation tailored to skill and experience levels.
About the Carlsbad 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) | $63.45 | $507.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68.29 | $546.30 |
| Median (P50) | $81.25 | $650.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95.67 | $765.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110.80 | $886.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $81.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.25/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $168,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,499. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,249.98 | $14,083 | $168,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,949.99 | $8,450 | $101,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,299.99 | $5,633 | $67,600 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Carlsbad) | $81.25 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $169,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 58.85% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 4.10% below the California state average of $176,235.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.25/hr = $101,399/year (purchasing power: $89,655).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,999/year (purchasing power: $149,424).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $60.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $71.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Carlsbad grew 30.0% from $59.53/hr (2019) to $77.41/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.28/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Engaging in part-time work as a nuclear medicine technologist in Carlsbad can yield substantial financial benefits. For example, a professional working 24 hours a week takes home an annual income that can still be quite competitive, particularly when compared to traditional full-time roles. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Carlsbad typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with specific modalities like PET/CT potentially allowing for pay as high as $95 an hour, especially in outpatient oncology settings. Factors such as employer type significantly influence these rates; roles within hospital settings may offer stability with benefits, while private practices could present higher hourly wages with fewer benefits. In negotiating hourly pay, technologists should weigh the importance of stability versus higher pay without associated benefits, while being mindful that employers in specialized areas like theranostics often provide premium wages reflecting the growing demand for expertise in advanced therapies.
More salary data for Carlsbad, 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
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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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