Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $45.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Missoula, MT runs $45.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,417 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Missoula, Montana, nuclear medicine technologists earn a median hourly rate of $45.21, which is approximately 11.63% lower than the national hourly median of $51.15. This competitive pay structure is particularly advantageous for part-time workers prevalent in this field, such as those working three days a week, or per-diem professionals who staff hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and hot lab radiopharmacy areas. The hourly pay varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $35.91 and seasoned professionals earning up to $60.08. This compensation reflects the growing demand for nuclear medicine services, including advanced imaging and theranostics, making it a viable career option for those looking to balance work and life in the scenic surroundings of Missoula.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.91 | $287.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.15 | $313.20 |
| Median (P50) | $45.21 | $361.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.49 | $419.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.08 | $480.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $45.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.21/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $94,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,248. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,808.25 | $7,836 | $94,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.95 | $4,701 | $56,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $723.30 | $3,134 | $37,612 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Missoula) | $45.21 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $94,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $96,136.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.21/hr = $56,417/year (purchasing power: $58,646).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,029/year (purchasing power: $97,743).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Missoula grew 30.0% from $33.12/hr (2019) to $43.07/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.45/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
For nuclear medicine technologists opting for part-time work in the Missoula area, the annual earnings can significantly differ from full-time positions. A technologist working a 24-hour week will take home around $56,157 annually, a pay rate that offers flexibility but may lack the benefits that come with full-time roles. Per diem nuclear medicine technologists can command a robust range of $55 to $80 per hour, depending on demand and the type of facility. Such professionals, particularly those with specialized training in PET/CT or theranostics therapies, often earn higher premiums—up to $95 per hour in outpatient oncology settings. The pay structure can vary depending on the employer, with hospital departments typically offering lower rates compared to specialized outpatient centers or mobile PET imaging companies where demand drives compensation. Hence, technologists may face a choice: accept lower hourly rates for job security and benefits or pursue higher pay without health coverage. For those contemplating offers, emphasizing local market trends and their unique skill sets during negotiations can maximize hourly pay in Missoula's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Missoula in 2026?
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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 Missoula. 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 Missoula 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