Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $34.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a ultrasound technologist working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $34.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,463 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ultrasound technologists earn a median hourly rate of $34.83, which is significantly below the national median of $48.73. This lower hourly pay may influence choices for those seeking part-time positions, making it a critical consideration for professionals looking to work three days a week in various clinical settings. The hourly range for ultrasound technologists in Tuscaloosa starts at $29.19 for entry-level positions, soaring to $43.36 for seasoned experts. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and highlight the earning potential in this healthcare field for both full-time and per-diem workers.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.19 | $233.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.80 | $254.43 |
| Median (P50) | $34.83 | $278.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.58 | $316.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.36 | $346.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $34.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.83/hr, a ultrasound technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $72,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,792. With a cost-of-living index of 87.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,393.05 | $6,037 | $72,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.83 | $3,622 | $43,463 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.22 | $2,415 | $28,975 |
Compare Ultrasound Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Ultrasound Technologist (Tuscaloosa) | $34.83 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $72,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.52% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.40% above the Alabama state average of $71,443.
Ultrasound Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.83/hr = $43,463/year (purchasing power: $49,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,439/year (purchasing power: $82,578).
CoL index: 87.722 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Tuscaloosa grew 17.4% from $28.27/hr (2019) to $33.19/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.54/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
Analyzing the local job market reveals that a part-time ultrasound technologist working 24 hours a week could earn around $43,844 annually, a stark contrast to a full-time worker's potential earnings. For those who consider the per diem option, it often yields a premium of 10-25% above standard hourly pay, making per diem ultrasound technologist pay in Tuscaloosa potentially more lucrative. Earning rates can vary greatly depending on the type of employer; positions in private practices might offer lower rates compared to larger health organizations or specialized clinics. Additionally, while some technologists might opt for lower pay in exchange for health benefits and a steady income, others who prioritize higher hourly wages may choose contract work, illustrating a classic trade-off in labor compensation. Negotiating salary within this context can be vital for ultrasound professionals seeking to enhance their compensation packages.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for ultrasound technologists in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time ultrasound technologists make in Tuscaloosa?
Are ultrasound technologists in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time ultrasound technologist make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do ultrasound technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
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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 Tuscaloosa. 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