Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Gurnee, IL: $48.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Gurnee, IL runs $48.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Gurnee's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,094 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Gurnee, Illinois, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay is projected to be $48.95 in 2026, falling slightly below the national median of $51.15. This hourly rate provides significant earning potential for part-time workers and per-diem technologists, especially those employed in environments such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and mobile PET trailers. For part-time roles typically scheduled three days a week, it translates to a solid income while allowing for flexibility. The overall hourly range for technologists in the area spans from approximately $38.32 for entry-level positions to about $61.03 for seasoned professionals, reflecting a robust career path in this field. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and encapsulate the varied scope of responsibilities in nuclear medicine.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.32 | $306.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.74 | $333.94 |
| Median (P50) | $48.95 | $391.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.72 | $437.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.03 | $488.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gurnee
Based on $48.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.95/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gurnee, IL can expect to earn approximately $101,823 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,744. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gurnee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gurnee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,958.13 | $8,485 | $101,823 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,174.88 | $5,091 | $61,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $783.25 | $3,394 | $40,729 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Gurnee) | $48.95 |
| 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 Gurnee, IL earn a median of $101,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $103,363.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.95/hr = $61,094/year (purchasing power: $62,918).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,823/year (purchasing power: $104,864).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Gurnee grew 30.0% from $35.86/hr (2019) to $46.64/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.38/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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee
Examining the hourly earnings reveals that a part-time nuclear medicine technologist working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually compared to a full-time peer. While full-timers command a stable income, per-diem or agency work introduces variability, often allowing for higher hourly pay ranging from $55 to $80. Particularly, PET/CT technologists in specialized oncology environments might earn between $65-$95, while those skilled in theranostics at advanced cancer treatment centers can see rates surge. In Gurnee, compensation also varies by employer type; hospital departments may offer solid benefits at lower hourly wages, while outpatient centers could provide higher pay without traditional perks. It’s essential for technologists to consider the trade-offs when negotiating salaries, balancing the allure of high hourly pay with the security offered by benefits. To navigate this local job market effectively, potential employees might assess their priorities and actively research or connect with industry professionals to uncover competitive compensation strategies.
More salary data for Gurnee, IL:
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 Gurnee. 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 Gurnee 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