Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Opelika, AL: $70,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Opelika, AL earns a median $70,912/year (≈ $34.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $80,673 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Opelika presents a unique context for ultrasound technologist salaries, with approximately seven professionals currently employed in the field. In 2026, those in this occupation can expect a median annual salary of $70,912, which reflects local market conditions and regional cost adjustments. The salary spectrum ranges from $53,946 at the 10th percentile to $93,201 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on experience and specialty. These figures are significant compared to the national median of $101,352 for the same year, suggesting that while the local market may be competitive, it is also characterized by a slightly lower compensation scale in the realm of ultrasound technologist pay in Opelika, AL.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,946 | $25.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,402 | $29.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,912 | $34.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,439 | $37.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,201 | $44.81 |
Median Salary Position
30.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,255 (2026 est.). At $70,912, the local median is 30.03% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Opelika median: $70,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $71,412 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -30.03% less |
Ultrasound Technologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $70,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.03% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% below the Alabama state average of $71,412.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Opelika 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.
Opelika, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $70,912 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,673 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,999
2025 BLS Actual
$67,580
2026 Current Est.
$70,912
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,999 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,118 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,391 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,408 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 30.0% from $51,999 (2019) to $67,580 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,408 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,409 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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) | $53,946 – $61,402 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,402 – $70,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,912 – $78,439 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,439 – $93,201 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Opelika
The local job market for ultrasound technologists in Opelika is stable, with a workforce that keeps the industry relatively unsaturated. A cost-of-living index of 87.9 indicates that expenses in this area are below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of medical imaging professionals here. Typically, larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics in Opelika tend to offer higher salaries, especially for those holding additional credentials or certifications. Differences in pay can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials and benefits packages. To maximize pay potential, ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, networking with local employers, and being open to varied work hours, which can lead to higher hourly wages and greater annual earnings in this specific market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Opelika, AL in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K in Opelika?
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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 $67,580 for ultrasound technologistsin the Opelika 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 Opelika 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