Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Decatur, AL: $71,578 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Decatur, AL earns a median $71,578/year (≈ $34.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Decatur's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $81,431 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the 2026 median annual salary for ultrasound technologists is projected to be $71,578, significantly lower than the national median of $101,352. With a salary range spanning from $48,952 at the 10th percentile to $94,764 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for cost of living. Given Decatur's cost of living index of 87.9, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for healthcare professionals in this area can feel more favorable relative to higher-cost regions, allowing for a more manageable lifestyle on this income. This job market is currently served by just nine ultrasound technologists, indicating a niche but potentially steady demand for skilled professionals in Decatur.
About the Decatur Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,952 | $23.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,143 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,578 | $34.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,058 | $38.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,764 | $45.56 |
Median Salary Position
29.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Decatur
In Decatur, AL, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,812 (2026 est.). At $71,578, the local median is 29.38% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Decatur: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Decatur Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Decatur median: $71,578/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Decatur Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $71,435 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -29.38% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Decatur, AL earn a median of $71,578 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.38% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.20% above the Alabama state average of $71,435.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Decatur has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Decatur, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $71,578 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,431 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,487
2025 BLS Actual
$68,215
2026 Current Est.
$71,578
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,487 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,903 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,452 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,655 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,215 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,578 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,107 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Decatur metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $52,487 (2019) to $68,215 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,107 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,620 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Decatur 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,952 – $58,143 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,143 – $71,578 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,578 – $79,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,058 – $94,764 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Decatur
Amidst the dynamics of the healthcare sector in Decatur, understanding local salary trends is crucial for maximizing earning potential. The cost of living in Decatur suggests that while the ultrasound technologist salary in Decatur is lower than the national average, it may stretch further in day-to-day expenses. Employers such as larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics may offer higher compensation packages, often including shift differentials and additional benefits that can substantially impact take-home pay. To enhance their earnings, ultrasound technologists should consider obtaining specialty credentials, which could lead to better job offers or incentives. Exploring opportunities in private practice settings may also yield competitive pay, given the variation in employer structures in Decatur AL. With an anticipated growth rate of 4.93% annually, the local job market presents a positive outlook for those considering this career path.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Decatur?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,215 for ultrasound technologistsin the Decatur metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Decatur is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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