Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Tracy, CA: $82.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Tracy, CA runs $82.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,262 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Tracy's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $72.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $102,762 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Tracy, California earn a median hourly pay of $82.34, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $51.15. This elevated pay reflects the demands of the role, often requiring technologists to work in various settings, including hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate translates to substantial income, enhancing the appeal of flexible schedules or per-diem opportunities. Entry-level technicians may start at around $64.55 per hour, while experienced specialists in high-demand areas can earn up to $108.16 per hour. As such, even entry-level practitioners in Tracy enjoy competitive compensation, making the profession attractive in a city where healthcare continues to evolve.
About the Tracy 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) | $64.55 | $516.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70.67 | $565.36 |
| Median (P50) | $82.34 | $658.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.90 | $775.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108.16 | $865.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tracy
Based on $82.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.34/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tracy, CA can expect to earn approximately $171,270 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $98,809. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tracy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tracy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,293.64 | $14,272 | $171,270 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,976.19 | $8,563 | $102,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,317.46 | $5,709 | $68,508 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Tracy) | $82.34 |
| 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 Tracy, CA earn a median of $171,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 60.96% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.80% below the California state average of $176,196.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.34/hr = $102,762/year (purchasing power: $90,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $171,270/year (purchasing power: $151,432).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Tracy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $60.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $69.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tracy grew 30.0% from $60.33/hr (2019) to $78.45/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.43/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 Tracy 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 Tracy
Analyzing the earning potential for nuclear medicine technologists in Tracy reveals both stability and opportunity. Part-time nuclear medicine technologists working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $102,931 annually, while those in full-time roles might earn significantly more. Per-diem workers in the area typically bill between $55 and $80 per hour, while specialized PET/CT technologists at outpatient oncology facilities can see rates rise to between $65 and $95 per hour. Theranostics-trained technologists, especially those involved in advanced therapies like lutetium-177, command even higher premiums. Variations in hourly wages exist depending on the employer type; hospital settings often provide comprehensive benefits, which may justify lower hourly rates, whereas private practices might offer higher pay without benefits. Strategies for negotiating hourly pay effectively in Tracy include emphasizing specialized training and certification credentials, particularly those recognized by SNMMI-TS or JRCNMT, which can lead to better compensation packages.
More salary data for Tracy, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Tracy in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Tracy?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Tracy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Tracy?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tracy?
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 Tracy. 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 Tracy 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