Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $45.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in University City, MO runs $45.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,986 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In University City, Missouri, the nuclear medicine technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $45.19. This figure lags behind the national average of $51.15 per hour. For professionals working part-time, such as those in hospital nuclear medicine suites or PET/CT imaging centers, this rate translates to approximately $1,079 for three 8-hour shifts weekly, enabling a stable annual income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Entry-level technologists may earn around $35.36 hourly, while top earners can see rates soar to $56.24. The hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates to provide a clearer picture of earnings potential, particularly valuable for those considering per-diem opportunities in mobile PET trailers or cardiac stress test rooms.
About the University City Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.36 | $282.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.55 | $308.41 |
| Median (P50) | $45.19 | $361.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.52 | $412.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.24 | $449.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $45.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.19/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $93,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,222. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,807.41 | $7,832 | $93,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.45 | $4,699 | $56,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $722.96 | $3,133 | $37,594 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (University City) | $45.19 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $93,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.67% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $95,321.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.19/hr = $56,391/year (purchasing power: $62,937).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,985/year (purchasing power: $104,894).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in University City grew 30.0% from $33.10/hr (2019) to $43.05/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.43/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 University City 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 University City
When it comes to part-time employment, a nuclear medicine technologist working a typical three-day work schedule will earn considerably less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, impacting long-term benefits. Per-diem nuclear medicine technologists often command rates between $55 and $80 an hour, which can be significantly higher than the hourly rate for full-time staff; PET/CT techs in outpatient oncology may even reach $65 to $95 per hour, especially in specialized theranostics roles that focus on treatments like Lutathera. Hourly pay may vary across health organizations, with outpatient centers and quaternary cancer facilities frequently paying more due to demand for expertise in high-growth areas such as PET/CT and theranostics. Some technologists might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for employer-provided benefits, including health insurance, while others prefer the higher rates that come without. Understanding the job market in University City can empower professionals to negotiate effectively, leveraging their skill set to secure the best possible pay.
More salary data for University City, MO:
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 University City. 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 University City 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