Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Madera, CA: $172,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Madera, CA earns a median $172,184/year (≈ $82.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Madera's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $152,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Nuclear medicine technologists in Madera, California, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $172,184 in 2026, significantly above the national average for the profession. This salary reflects a range from $136,448 at the 10th percentile to as high as $228,003 for those at the 90th percentile. The data for these figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS figures projected to 2026, accounting for regional economic conditions. Those who specialize in theranostics, particularly with emerging therapies such as lutetium-177, may find themselves positioned for a premium within this market. Competence in these advanced technologies not only enhances reputation but significantly impacts earning potential in Madera's healthcare landscape.
About the Madera Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $136,448 | $65.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $148,878 | $71.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,184 | $82.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $199,953 | $96.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $228,003 | $109.62 |
Median Salary Position
61.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madera
In Madera, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,555 (2026 est.). At $172,184, the local median is 61.83% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Madera: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Madera Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Madera median: $172,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Madera Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,237 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | +61.83% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Madera, CA earn a median of $172,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 61.83% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.30% below the California state average of $176,237.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Madera has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Madera, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $152,240 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,146
2025 BLS Actual
$164,047
2026 Current Est.
$172,184
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,146 | Actual |
| 2020 | $128,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $127,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $138,041 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,693 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Madera metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $126,146 (2019) to $164,047 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $54,578 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Madera 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $136,448 – $148,878 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $148,878 – $172,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,184 – $199,953 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $199,953 – $228,003 |
NMT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual nuclear medicine technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist Job Market in Madera
Analyzing the local job market reveals a competitive salary environment for nuclear medicine technologists, with only eight professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, indicating that Madera is above the national average, which may affect how much take-home pay translates into purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers, hospital nuclear medicine departments, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, and theranostics facilities are key players. The disparity in salaries often stems from experience required in PET/CT versus SPECT-only roles, alongside additional factors like on-call coverage responsibilities and the availability of CT cross-training. For technologists aiming to maximize their nuclear medicine technologist pay in Madera, developing expertise in in-demand areas such as theranostics and exploring opportunities with leading employers can enhance career prospects and financial rewards.
More salary data for Madera, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Madera, CA in 2026?
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Madera?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted nuclear medicine technologist salary in Madera?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $164,047 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Madera metropolitan area. A 4.96% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Madera 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