Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Yankton, SD: $41.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Yankton, SD runs $41.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Yankton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,270 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Yankton, South Dakota, the projected hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist stands at $41.08, noticeably below the national median of $51.15. This lower rate reflects the specific market conditions in the region, making it essential for nuclear medicine technologists to consider their work environments carefully. Popular work settings for these professionals include hospital nuclear medicine suites, PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics infusion suites, where many technologists might opt for part-time or per-diem roles. Those entering the field can expect to earn around $33.66 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $50.16 per hour. This compensation structure highlights the potential for varying income due to experience level and the growing demand for advanced skills in areas like theranostics and PET/CT imaging, which are becoming crucial in modern radiology frameworks.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.66 | $269.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.93 | $287.42 |
| Median (P50) | $41.08 | $328.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.53 | $364.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.16 | $401.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Yankton
Based on $41.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.08/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Yankton, SD can expect to earn approximately $85,449 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,298. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Yankton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Yankton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,643.25 | $7,121 | $85,449 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $985.95 | $4,272 | $51,270 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $657.30 | $2,848 | $34,180 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Yankton) | $41.08 |
| 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 Yankton, SD earn a median of $85,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.68% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $88,923.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.08/hr = $51,270/year (purchasing power: $55,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,449/year (purchasing power: $92,079).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Yankton grew 30.0% from $30.10/hr (2019) to $39.14/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.12/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 Yankton 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 Yankton
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a nuclear medicine technologist working three days a week, for a total of 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $50,908 annually, which reflects a modest income but highlights the balance of work-life flexibility. In contrast, per-diem roles present an enticing option for some with typical billing rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour for agency locum positions. Those working in PET/CT settings can see slightly higher rates between $65 and $95 per hour, with the best compensation reserved for specialists in theranostics, particularly in quaternary cancer centers utilizing therapies like lutetium-177. The variance in hourly rates across different employer types in Yankton—such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and VA medical facilities—creates a unique negotiation landscape. While some may sacrifice higher hourly wages for essential benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize getting higher pay without benefits. For nuclear medicine technologists in this area, understanding these dynamics and their implications can significantly influence their career decisions and earning potential.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Yankton in 2026?
How much do part-time nuclear medicine technologists make in Yankton?
Are nuclear medicine technologists in Yankton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time nuclear medicine technologist make per year in Yankton?
Do nuclear medicine technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Yankton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Yankton. 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 Yankton 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