Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Johnston, IA: $41.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Johnston, IA runs $41.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Johnston, IA, earn a median hourly rate of $41.12, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51.15. This hourly pay equates to a diverse range of work possibilities, appealing to those seeking part-time options, such as working three days a week. In a typical setting, whether it's a hospital nuclear medicine suite, a PET/CT imaging center, or a bustling cardiac stress test room, hourly compensation reflects the breadth of responsibilities associated with this vital role. The hourly pay range for nuclear medicine technologists in Johnston varies from $34.72 at the entry level to $52.66 for top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, demonstrating the potential for flexible schedules that cater to both full-time and per-diem workers.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.72 | $277.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.72 | $293.72 |
| Median (P50) | $41.12 | $328.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.21 | $377.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.66 | $421.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $41.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.12/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, IA can expect to earn approximately $85,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,348. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,644.93 | $7,128 | $85,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $986.96 | $4,277 | $51,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.97 | $2,851 | $34,215 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Johnston) | $41.12 |
| 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 Johnston, IA earn a median of $85,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.61% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $92,170.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.12/hr = $51,322/year (purchasing power: $56,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,537/year (purchasing power: $94,620).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Johnston grew 30.0% from $30.13/hr (2019) to $39.18/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.16/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
Turning to part-time earning potential, a nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week, amounting to roughly 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $51,723 annually, a figure that highlights the distinct compensation dynamics for non-full-time employees. Per-diem or agency positions shift the focus to more lucrative opportunities; per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Johnston can range between $55 and $80 per hour, while PET/CT specialists at oncology centers may earn anywhere from $65 to $95 per hour. Employers such as VA medical centers and theranostics facilities, especially those focusing on innovative therapies like lutetium-177, often offer higher pay rates due to the growing demand for these specialized services. While some technologists may opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance benefits, others prefer the flexibility of higher wages without benefits; this decision often hinges on individual circumstances. Negotiating rates in Johnston requires an understanding of local market demands and the specific skills that can justify premium pay.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Johnston in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Johnston?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Johnston paid hourly or salary?
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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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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