Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Temecula, CA: $180,235 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Temecula, CA earns a median $180,235/year (≈ $86.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Temecula's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $159,359 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Temecula, California, the projected median annual salary for nuclear medicine technologists in 2026 is a noteworthy $180,235, which significantly surpasses the national median of $106,398. The salary range extends from $133,152 at the 10th percentile to $234,967 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a competitive landscape for professionals in this field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost conditions and market dynamics. Particularly, those specializing in theranostics—an area witnessing rapid growth—often command higher salaries, reflecting the premium that the industry places on advanced skills associated with innovative radiopharmaceutical therapies and imaging technologies in Temecula.
About the Temecula Market
Salary estimated from California average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $133,152 | $64.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $155,898 | $74.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $180,235 | $86.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $205,793 | $98.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $234,967 | $112.97 |
Median Salary Position
69.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temecula
In Temecula, CA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,815 (2026 est.). At $180,235, the local median is 69.4% above the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temecula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temecula Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Temecula median: $180,235/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temecula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $176,355 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $106,398 | +69.40% more |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Temecula, CA earn a median of $180,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 69.40% higher than the national median of $106,398 and 2.20% above the California state average of $176,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temecula has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Temecula, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $180,235 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $159,359 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$132,045
2025 BLS Actual
$171,718
2026 Current Est.
$180,235
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Temecula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $132,045 | Actual |
| 2020 | $134,823 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,417 | Actual |
| 2022 | $144,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $156,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,235 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,175 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temecula metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $132,045 (2019) to $171,718 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $189,175 by 2027 — a total increase of $57,130 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temecula 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) | $133,152 – $155,898 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $155,898 – $180,235 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $180,235 – $205,793 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $205,793 – $234,967 |
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 Temecula
The job market for nuclear medicine technologists in Temecula shows robust demand, with approximately 25 professionals currently employed in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, salaries must be commensurate to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, outpatient PET/CT imaging centers and theranostics facilities—especially those offering radiopharmaceuticals like Pluvicto and Lutathera—tend to offer the highest pay. The variability between salaries can often be attributed to differences in credentialing, particularly for those proficient in PET/CT versus traditional SPECT-only roles. Furthermore, on-call duties and cross-training in CT can enhance earnings potential. For technologists looking to optimize their pay in Temecula, pursuing additional certifications and experience in high-demand areas such as theranostics can be a practical strategy to elevate their market value.
More salary data for Temecula, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nuclear medicine technologists make in Temecula, CA in 2026?
Is Temecula, CA a good place to work as a nuclear medicine technologist?
Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Temecula?
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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 $171,718 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Temecula 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 Temecula 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