Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL: $72,444 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time ultrasound technologist in Tuscaloosa, AL earns a median $72,444/year (≈ $34.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Tuscaloosa's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.7), that paycheck buys what $82,584 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the ultrasound technologist workforce, comprising 80 professionals, indicates a stable yet competitive job market. The projected median annual salary for this occupation in 2026 is $72,444, which falls significantly below the national median of $101,352. The salary range for ultrasound technologists in the area spans from $60,723 at the 10th percentile to $90,187 at the 90th percentile, offering a spectrum of opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers. These insights are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect both local market conditions and potential earnings for those considering a career in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,723 | $29.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,158 | $31.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,444 | $34.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,318 | $39.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,187 | $43.36 |
Median Salary Position
28.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tuscaloosa
In Tuscaloosa, AL, the ultrasound technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,464 (2026 est.). At $72,444, the local median is 28.52% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tuscaloosa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tuscaloosa Ultrasound Technologist Pay Compares
Tuscaloosa median: $72,444/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tuscaloosa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $71,443 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -28.52% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living 12.28% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tuscaloosa, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.722 (below the national average of 100). A ultrasound technologist earning $72,444 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $82,584 in an average-cost city — an effective 14% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,810
2025 BLS Actual
$69,040
2026 Current Est.
$72,444
2019–2027 Growth
+29.3%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,810 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,840 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,444 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,015 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area, the median ultrasound technologist salary grew 17.4% from $58,810 (2019) to $69,040 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,205 (29.26%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,723 – $66,158 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,158 – $72,444 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,444 – $82,318 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,318 – $90,187 |
Ultrasound Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual ultrasound technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Ultrasound Technologist Job Market in Tuscaloosa
Examining factors that influence ultrasound technologist pay in Tuscaloosa AL reveals a variably rewarding job landscape. The city's cost-of-living index stands at 87.722, suggesting that while salaries might be lower than the national average, the purchasing power is relatively stronger. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest compensation and benefits packages, thus attracting seasoned professionals. The variation in pay can often be linked to factors like shift differentials, specialty training, and employer size. To maximize earnings in this market, ultrasound technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking employment in larger institutions with comprehensive benefit structures, as these elements can significantly enhance overall compensation in Tuscaloosa.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ultrasound technologists make in Tuscaloosa, AL in 2026?
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Can ultrasound technologists make $100K 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
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 $69,040 for ultrasound technologistsin the Tuscaloosa 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
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