Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $85.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Westminster, CA runs $85.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $178,187 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $106,914 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, California, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly pay of $85.67, significantly above the national median of $51.15. This higher compensation reflects the cost of living in the region and the specialized skill set required for the job. For part-time workers, specifically those working three days a week, this translates to ample earning potential without the commitment of full-time status. Typically employed in settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites and PET/CT imaging centers, professionals can expect their hourly rates to vary based on experience. Entry-level technologists may start around $65.40, while the top earners in the profession can command rates as high as $114.11, showing a clear distinction in pay based on experience and specialization.
About the Westminster 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) | $65.40 | $523.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72.46 | $579.72 |
| Median (P50) | $85.67 | $685.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99.62 | $796.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114.11 | $912.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $85.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $85.67/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $178,190 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $102,802. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,426.73 | $14,849 | $178,190 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,056.04 | $8,910 | $106,914 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,370.69 | $5,940 | $71,276 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Westminster) | $85.67 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $178,187 per year (2026 est.), which is 67.47% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.10% above the California state average of $176,249.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $85.67/hr = $106,914/year (purchasing power: $94,531).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $178,190/year (purchasing power: $157,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$62.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$81.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$85.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $68.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $74.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $81.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Westminster grew 30.0% from $62.76/hr (2019) to $81.62/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $89.92/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
When considering full-time versus part-time arrangements, a nuclear medicine technologist working a typical 24-hour week can expect a significantly different annual take-home than a full-time employee. Part-time technologists working three days a week would earn approximately $66,665 annually, which highlights the appeal of part-time roles, especially for those seeking flexibility. In the realm of per diem work, nuclear medicine technologists can frequently command hourly rates around $55 to $80, with specialized roles—such as PET/CT techs at oncology centers—often hitting up to $95 per hour. Variability in rates also exists depending on the type of employer: for instance, positions in hospital departments may offer lower base pay due to the benefits provided, while mobile imaging companies often pay higher rates but with fewer benefits. Professionals negotiating their hourly wage in Westminster can benefit from showcasing their certifications, particularly from organizations like SNMMI-TS and NMTCB, as these credentials can justify higher pay rates, particularly in the rapidly expanding fields of PET/CT and theranostics.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Westminster?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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