Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $54.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a nuclear medicine technologist working in Auburn, WA runs $54.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $112,952 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,774 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Auburn, Washington, nuclear medicine technologists can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $54.31, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $51.15. This competitive hourly rate is advantageous for both full-time and part-time professionals. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, this can translate into significant earnings without sacrificing work-life balance. For per-diem workers, opportunities abound in various settings like hospital nuclear medicine suites and mobile PET trailers. The hourly pay range in Auburn spans from $39.66 for entry-level positions to $73.16 for experienced technologists, reflecting the skill level and demand within this specialized field. Such variability allows nuclear medicine technologists to find roles that align with their financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($122,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.66 | $317.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.54 | $372.31 |
| Median (P50) | $54.31 | $434.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.77 | $510.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.16 | $585.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $54.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.31/hr, a nuclear medicine technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $112,957 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,168. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,172.25 | $9,413 | $112,957 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,303.35 | $5,648 | $67,774 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $868.90 | $3,765 | $45,183 |
Compare NMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (Auburn) | $54.31 |
| 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 Auburn, WA earn a median of $112,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $114,324.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.31/hr = $67,774/year (purchasing power: $63,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $112,957/year (purchasing power: $105,174).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for nuclear medicine technologists in Auburn grew 30.0% from $39.79/hr (2019) to $51.74/hr (2025). At a 4.96% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.00/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Evaluating earnings further reveals interesting dynamics for part-time nuclear medicine technologists. For those working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can still be substantial, albeit lower compared to full-time positions. Many per diem nuclear medicine technologists in Auburn often bill anywhere from $55 to $80 per hour, particularly in specialized areas such as PET/CT imaging where rates can range from $65 to $95 per hour. Furthermore, hospitals and outpatient centers may offer different compensation structures, where outpatient roles often yield higher pay given the current growth in theranostics and PET/CT services. While some technologists might choose positions with lower hourly rates that include benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly compensation without benefits, trading job security for flexibility. Negotiation for hourly pay can be effective, especially when emphasizing specialized training, such as in lutetium-177 therapies, aligning with the growing demands within the nuclear medicine technology field in Auburn, WA.
More salary data for Auburn, WA:
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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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