Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Birmingham, AL: $62,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Birmingham, AL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,906 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Birmingham's local price level (BEA RPP 91.6 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,642 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,336) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting as an ultrasound technologist in Birmingham, AL, new graduates can expect to earn a starting salary of approximately $62,906 in 2026. While this figure reflects the entry-level pay, it is worth noting that the city's median salary for ultrasound technologists is $73,336, creating a gap that early-career professionals can aim to close within their first few years. Over a span of three to five years, individuals can anticipate upward movement in pay, reaching around $69,201 at the 25th percentile, before aligning more closely with the median. Birmingham's favorable job market offers growth potential for newcomers, making it a reasonable place for entry-level professionals to begin their careers in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Birmingham
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Birmingham
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Birmingham, AL typically start between $62,906 and $69,201 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,693 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,336 — 27.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Alabama of $18,000 represents just 28.61% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($62,906/year) in Birmingham. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Birmingham
- 1Research the Birmingham market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $62,906 to $69,201, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in AL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Birmingham, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Birmingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Birmingham's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Birmingham is $23,693 ( 37.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,906, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,599.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,120
2025 BLS Actual
$59,950
2026 Current Est.
$62,906
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Birmingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,950 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,007 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Birmingham, AL grew 24.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,120 in 2019 to $59,950 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,007. New graduates entering the Birmingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Birmingham
In Birmingham, several well-established hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to hire new graduates, often providing structured onboarding programs that help ease the transition into their first professional roles. Acquiring relevant credentials, such as state licensure, can enhance starting pay, while pursuing advanced certifications recognized by national organizations can further boost earning potential. For those starting their careers as ultrasound technologists, strategically navigating the first three years is key; compensation varies widely based on employer type, geographic location, and credential mix. Early-career technologists may realistically expect salary growth as they accumulate experience and enhance their qualifications, positioning themselves for better opportunities within Birmingham’s healthcare sector.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Birmingham in 2026?
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Is medical imaging school worth it 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Birmingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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