Ultrasound Tech Pay

Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills: Ultrasound Technologist Salary (2026)

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

Birmingham, AL
$73,336
$35.26/hr
Vestavia Hills, AL
$68,591
$32.98/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALVestavia Hills, AL
Median Salary$73,336$68,591
Hourly Rate$35.26$32.98
Entry Level (P10)$62,906$49,510
25th Percentile$69,201$57,366
75th Percentile$83,073$75,333
Top Earner (P90)$86,599$89,522
Total Employed4508
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($73,336) and Vestavia Hills ($68,591) ultrasound technologist salaries.BirminghamVestavia HillsMedian Salary$73,336$68,591Entry Level (P10)$62,906$49,510Top Earner (P90)$86,599$89,522US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills is $4,745 (6.92%). 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,Vestavia Hills spans $40,012. Vestavia Hills 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
Vestavia Hills
P10 (Entry)$49,510
P25$57,366
Median$68,591
P75$75,333
P90 (Top)$89,522

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($80,023 effective) pays 2.55% more than Vestavia Hills ($78,033 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $73,336
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $80,023
Vestavia Hills
Nominal: $68,591
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $78,033

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,023)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Vestavia Hills if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($89,522)
  • 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 Vestavia Hills over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+13.0%

$61,840 (2019) → $69,890 (2025)

Vestavia Hills, AL

+13.9%

$57,383 (2024) → $65,368 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays ultrasound technologists more: Birmingham or Vestavia Hills?

Birmingham has a higher median ultrasound technologist salary at $73,336/year, compared to Vestavia Hills at $68,591/year — a difference of $4,745 (6.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills?

Birmingham ultrasound technologists earn $35.26/hr while Vestavia Hills hygienists earn $32.98/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Birmingham to Vestavia Hills as a ultrasound technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Vestavia Hills. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $80,023, Vestavia Hills = $78,033), job availability (450 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) ultrasound technologists earn $62,906 in Birmingham and $49,510 in Vestavia Hills. 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