Ultrasound Tech Pay

Birmingham vs Hoover: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare ultrasound technologist salaries between Birmingham, AL and Hoover, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Birmingham, AL
$73,336
$35.26/hr
Hoover, AL
$72,138
$34.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALHoover, AL
Median Salary$73,336$72,138
Hourly Rate$35.26$34.68
Entry Level (P10)$62,906$50,323
25th Percentile$69,201$59,283
75th Percentile$83,073$80,307
Top Earner (P90)$86,599$96,834
Total Employed45017
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($73,336) and Hoover ($72,138) ultrasound technologist salaries.BirminghamHooverMedian Salary$73,336$72,138Entry Level (P10)$62,906$50,323Top Earner (P90)$86,599$96,834US Median $101,352

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for ultrasound technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hoover.

The salary gap between Birmingham and Hoover is $1,198 (1.66%). Birmingham's median is -27.64% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $23,693,Hoover spans $46,511. Hoover has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ultrasound technologists.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$62,906
P25$69,201
Median$73,336
P75$83,073
P90 (Top)$86,599
Hoover
P10 (Entry)$50,323
P25$59,283
Median$72,138
P75$80,307
P90 (Top)$96,834

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hoover ($82,068 effective) pays 2.56% more than Birmingham ($80,023 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $73,336
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $80,023
Hoover
Nominal: $72,138
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $82,068

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,336/year)
  • Larger job market (450 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Hoover if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($96,834)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,068)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ultrasound technologist salaries in Birmingham grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Hoover over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+13.0%

$61,840 (2019) → $69,890 (2025)

Hoover, AL

+13.9%

$60,351 (2024) → $68,749 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Birmingham or Hoover?

Birmingham has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $73,336/year, compared to Hoover at $72,138/year — a difference of $1,198 (1.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Hoover?

Birmingham ultrasound technologists earn $35.26/hr while Hoover hygienists earn $34.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Birmingham to Hoover as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Hoover. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $80,023, Hoover = $82,068), job availability (450 vs 17 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level ultrasound technologists earn in Birmingham vs Hoover?

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $62,906 in Birmingham and $50,323 in Hoover. The Birmingham area offers higher starting salaries.
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

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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