Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary in Lake Charles, LA: $94,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time nuclear medicine technologist in Lake Charles, LA earns a median $94,831/year (≈ $45.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2033). Once you factor in Lake Charles's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $105,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, nuclear medicine technologists in Lake Charles, Louisiana, can anticipate a median annual salary of $94,831, which reflects a competitive position within the medical imaging field. The salary can range from $76,728 at the lower end (P10) to $127,789 for the upper echelon (P90), indicating substantial earning potential for those with advanced skills, especially in theranostics. These figures are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, showcasing the value placed on specialized knowledge in radiopharmaceutical therapies. As Lake Charles continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, the demand for nuclear medicine professionals is likely to evolve, influenced by advancements in the field and the increasing importance of PET/CT scanning techniques.
About the Lake Charles Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,728 | $36.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,180 | $39.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,831 | $45.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,163 | $53.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,789 | $61.43 |
Median Salary Position
10.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Charles
In Lake Charles, LA, the nuclear medicine technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,061 (2026 est.). At $94,831, the local median is 10.87% below the national median of $106,398.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Charles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Charles Nuclear Medicine Technologist Pay Compares
Lake Charles median: $94,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Charles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $96,080 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $106,398 | -10.87% less |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $94,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.87% lower than the national median of $106,398 and 1.30% below the Louisiana state average of $96,080.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Charles has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Charles, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A nuclear medicine technologist earning $94,831 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,018 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,476
2025 BLS Actual
$90,350
2026 Current Est.
$94,831
2019–2027 Growth
+43.3%
Salary Trajectory for Nuclear Medicine Technologists in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,938 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,444 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,086 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,350 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,535 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Charles metropolitan area, the median nuclear medicine technologist salary grew 30.0% from $69,476 (2019) to $90,350 (2025). At a 4.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,535 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,059 (43.27%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Charles 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) | $76,728 – $83,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,180 – $94,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,831 – $111,163 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,163 – $127,789 |
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 Lake Charles
The job market for nuclear medicine technologists in Lake Charles currently employs around 15 professionals, offering a glimpse into a localized but growing healthcare sector. With a cost of living index at 90.3, professionals may find that their take-home pay stretches further compared to national standards. Certain employers, such as hospital nuclear medicine departments and outpatient PET/CT imaging centers, reportedly offer the most attractive compensation packages. The discrepancy in salaries often stems from the specifics of the role, where PET/CT technologists tend to earn more than those focused solely on SPECT imaging. Additionally, experience gained in theranostics and CT cross-training can lead to higher wages. For those in the area, pursuing certifications relevant to these growing segments and being prepared for on-call shifts can enhance financial prospects significantly.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can nuclear medicine technologists make $100K in Lake Charles?
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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 $90,350 for nuclear medicine technologistsin the Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles 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