Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $54.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Kearny, NJ runs $54.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,129 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,482 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, a nuclear medicine technologist can expect a competitive hourly rate of $54.87, which is notably higher than the national median of $51.15. This rate benefits both full-time professionals and part-time workers, particularly those committed to a schedule of three days a week. For technologists in diverse settings such as hospital nuclear medicine suites, hot lab radiopharmacy areas, or outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, this hourly pay provides a solid foundation for earned income. Entry-level positions can start around $45.74 per hour, while experienced technologists may earn as much as $71.58, reflecting the wide salary range from $45.74 (P10) to $71.58 (P90) for Kearny’s nuclear medicine technologists.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45.74 | $365.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.89 | $391.12 |
| Median (P50) | $54.87 | $438.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.33 | $490.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.58 | $572.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $54.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.87/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $114,136 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,848. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,194.92 | $9,511 | $114,136 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,316.95 | $5,707 | $68,482 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $877.97 | $3,805 | $45,654 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Kearny) | $54.87 |
| 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 Kearny, NJ earn a median of $114,129 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.27% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $118,024.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.87/hr = $68,482/year (purchasing power: $59,446).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,136/year (purchasing power: $99,076).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Kearny grew 30.0% from $40.20/hr (2019) to $52.28/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.59/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 Kearny 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 Kearny
Examining the potential earnings in this field reveals significant opportunities, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a nuclear medicine technologist working just 24 hours a week could take home $68,153 annually, contrasting with full-time earnings that typically reach higher thresholds. Per diem nuclear medicine technologist pay in Kearny often ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized PET/CT techs at outpatient centers able to command rates between $65 and $95. Many technologists find themselves weighing the options between contracting roles, which can offer higher hourly wages but lack benefits, and full-time positions that provide health insurance at lower hourly rates. This decision can be complex, influenced by personal circumstances and financial goals. Understanding these dynamics can empower professionals to negotiate effectively within local contexts, ensuring they capture fair compensation for their vital role in advancing patient care.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Kearny in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Kearny?
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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 Kearny. 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 Kearny 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