Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $85.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $85.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $177,129 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,272 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay in 2026 is projected to be $85.15, significantly above the national median of $51.15. This notable hourly rate makes it an attractive profession for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. With the potential for flexible scheduling in various settings—including hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites—a nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week could benefit greatly from the lucrative pay. For entry-level technicians, hourly wages may start at around $64.82, while experienced professionals can earn up to $116.67 per hour, showcasing a healthy income range in Costa Mesa.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $64.82 | $518.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.90 | $575.18 |
| Median (P50) | $85.15 | $681.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.59 | $804.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116.67 | $933.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $85.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.15/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $177,120 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,185. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,406.16 | $14,760 | $177,120 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,043.70 | $8,856 | $106,272 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,362.46 | $5,904 | $70,848 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Costa Mesa) | $85.15 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $177,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 66.48% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 0.50% above the California state average of $176,248.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.15/hr = $106,272/year (purchasing power: $93,963).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $177,120/year (purchasing power: $156,605).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Costa Mesa grew 30.0% from $62.39/hr (2019) to $81.13/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.38/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
The earning potential varies significantly for part-time nuclear medicine technologists compared to their full-time counterparts. Working just three days a week for 24 hours could yield around $104,976 annually, establishing a solid income without the demands of a full-time schedule. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Costa Mesa often ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with PET/CT technicians in oncology centers earning between $65 and $95. Those trained in theranostics can command even higher rates at quaternary cancer centers due to specialized skills in therapies like lutetium-177. Moreover, hourly rates differ across employer types; hospitals, outpatient facilities, and mobile imaging companies may offer varying compensation based on the demands of each role. It's crucial for nuclear medicine technologists to weigh their options—some may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits, while others might prioritize job security with health insurance. Negotiating effectively in Costa Mesa means being clear about the specific skills and certifications, such as those recognized by the NMTCB or ARRT(N), ensuring that technologists advocate effectively for their worth in a growing field.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Costa Mesa?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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