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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.99/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Birmingham 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 4.93% 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.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Birmingham?
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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.
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