Ultrasound Tech Pay

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $35.26 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Birmingham, AL runs $35.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,336 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,000 per year.

$73,336
Median Annual Salary
$35.26/hr
Hourly Rate
$62,906
Entry Level (P10)
$86,599
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Rate in Birmingham, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Birmingham, AL ultrasound technologist hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Birmingham, Alabama, the ultrasound technologist hourly pay sits at a median of $35.26, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This difference provides insight into the local job market and can impact those working part-time or per diem. For ultrasound technologists working three days a week, the earnings may not scale linearly; therefore, it’s essential to understand how the hourly rate translates into overall financial health. Birmingham's hourly pay ranges from $30.24 for entry-level positions to as high as $41.64 for seasoned professionals, illustrating a varied earning potential within the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight the hourly dynamics critical for individuals considering this career path.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$30.24$241.93
Lower Range (P25)$33.27$266.19
Median (P50)$35.26$282.05
Upper Range (P75)$39.94$319.49
Top Earners (P90)$41.64$333.09

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham

Based on $35.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a ultrasound technologist in Birmingham earning $35.26/hr would make approximately $42,308 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $73,333 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$42,308Reduced (32 hr/wk)$56,410Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$73,333

At $35.26/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $73,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,308. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$282.05
per 8hr shift
$1,410.26
per week
$6,111
per month
$73,333
per year

Schedule Comparison in Birmingham

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,410.26$6,111$73,333
Part-Time (24 hrs)$846.16$3,667$44,000
Per Diem (16 hrs)$564.10$2,444$29,333

Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Ultrasound Technologist (Birmingham)$35.26
Dental Assistant (National Avg)$21.29
Registered Nurse (National Avg)$42.80
Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg)$31.26
Medical Lab Technician (National Avg)$28.18
Horizontal bar chart comparing ultrasound technologist median salary in Birmingham ($73,336) with Alabama average ($71,477) and the US national median ($101,352).Birmingham$73,336Alabama Avg$71,477+2.60%US National$101,352-27.64%

Ultrasound Technologists in Birmingham, AL earn a median of $73,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.64% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.60% above the Alabama state average of $71,477.

Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $35.26/hr = $44,000/year (purchasing power: $48,012).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,333/year (purchasing power: $80,020).

CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$29.73/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$33.60/hr

2026 Current Est.

$35.26/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+24.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Birmingham (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham. Baseline $29.73/hr in 2025, projected to $36.99/hr by 2027.$28$31$33$36$382019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.73$29.99$29.64$31.33$33.35$34.31$33.60$35.26$36.99
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$29.73/hrActual
2020$29.99/hrActual
2021$29.64/hrActual
2022$31.33/hrActual
2023$33.35/hrActual
2024$34.31/hrActual
2025$33.60/hrActual
2026(current)$35.26/hrEstimated
2027$36.99/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham grew 13.0% from $29.73/hr (2019) to $33.60/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem ultrasound technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.93% 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 Ultrasound Technologist in Birmingham

Examining the part-time earning potential, a technologist working 24 hours per week would bring home around $43,729 annually when utilizing the city's median pay. This contrasts sharply with full-time positions, which may provide essential benefits alongside annual salaries. For those seeking flexibility, per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Birmingham often includes a premium, generally 10-25% more than standard hourly rates, appealing to many professionals. Hourly rates can vary widely across different employers, with private practices potentially offering more competitive pay compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. When negotiating, it's beneficial to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and the stability offered by full-time roles with benefits. Understanding the regional compensation structure helps make informed decisions about career moves and employment types in this healthcare niche in Birmingham, AL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham is $35.26/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $30.24 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.64 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 27.6% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Birmingham?

A part-time ultrasound technologist working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Birmingham earns approximately $3,667/month, or $44,000/year at the median hourly rate of $35.26. Many ultrasound technologists prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are ultrasound technologists in Birmingham paid hourly or salary?

The majority of ultrasound technologists in Birmingham are paid hourly at a median rate of $35.26/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $73,333/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Birmingham?

A full-time ultrasound technologist working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Birmingham earns approximately $73,333/year at the median hourly rate of $35.26. This is 27.6% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $86,603/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Birmingham?

Part-time and per diem ultrasound technologists in Birmingham sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.64/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Alabama

RP

Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT

Career Analyst

Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, RDMS, RTData verified by James Kim, RDCS, RVT

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 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).

Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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