Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Modesto, CA: $87.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Modesto, CA runs $87.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $181,087 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Modesto's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.1, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $83.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $108,656 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Modesto, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $87.06, significantly higher than the national median of $51.15. This robust hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various medical settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. Entry-level positions start at around $62.98, while top earners can make up to $95.11, showcasing a promising trajectory for both part-time roles and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week in this field, the hourly pay can translate into a stable income while allowing for flexibility in their schedules, making it an attractive option for many.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62.98 | $503.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81.71 | $653.69 |
| Median (P50) | $87.06 | $696.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91.64 | $733.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.11 | $760.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Modesto
Based on $87.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.06/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Modesto, CA can expect to earn approximately $181,094 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,477. With a cost-of-living index of 104.11 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Modesto.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Modesto
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,482.57 | $15,091 | $181,094 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,089.54 | $9,055 | $108,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,393.03 | $6,036 | $72,438 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Modesto) | $87.06 |
| 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 Modesto, CA earn a median of $181,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 70.20% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.70% above the California state average of $176,327.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.06/hr = $108,656/year (purchasing power: $104,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $181,094/year (purchasing power: $173,948).
CoL index: 104.108 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $65.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $69.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Modesto grew 30.0% from $63.79/hr (2019) to $82.95/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.38/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 Modesto 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 Modesto
Exploring the earning potential highlights how the part-time nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours per week can expect to take home a substantial income, although significantly less than those in full-time positions. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Modesto typically earn between $55 and $80 hourly, whereas those specializing in PET/CT or theranostics at advanced facilities command even higher premiums, from $65 to $95 hourly. The variety in hourly rates showcases the differences in employer types; hospital departments may offer stable roles with benefits, while outpatient imaging centers might pay a higher rate without additional perks. Technologists must weigh the decision between lower hourly pay with health insurance against the draw of higher pay without benefits. For negotiation, proving expertise in emerging areas like theranostics can be advantageous, especially in the context of increasing demand for specialized services in Modesto.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Modesto in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Modesto?
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How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Modesto?
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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 Modesto. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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