Radiography Tech Salary

Alabaster vs Birmingham: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Alabaster, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alabaster, AL
$62,019
$29.82/hr
Birmingham, AL
$66,091
$31.78/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlabaster, ALBirmingham, AL
Median Salary$62,019$66,091
Hourly Rate$29.82$31.78
Entry Level (P10)$47,097$43,685
25th Percentile$52,452$56,372
75th Percentile$74,136$79,652
Top Earner (P90)$90,585$86,896
Total Employed81,050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alabaster ($62,019) and Birmingham ($66,091) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.AlabasterBirminghamMedian Salary$62,019$66,091Entry Level (P10)$47,097$43,685Top Earner (P90)$90,585$86,896US Median $84,348

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Alabaster.

The salary gap between Alabaster and Birmingham is $4,072 (6.57%). Birmingham's median is -21.64% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $43,488,Birmingham spans $43,211. Alabaster has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alabaster
P10 (Entry)$47,097
P25$52,452
Median$62,019
P75$74,136
P90 (Top)$90,585
Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$43,685
P25$56,372
Median$66,091
P75$79,652
P90 (Top)$86,896

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($72,117 effective) pays 2.21% more than Alabaster ($70,556 effective).

Alabaster
Nominal: $62,019
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $70,556
Birmingham
Nominal: $66,091
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $72,117

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alabaster if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($90,585)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,091/year)
  • Larger job market (1,050 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,117)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Alabaster grew 19.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.

Alabaster, AL

+19.2%

$49,399 (2024) → $58,903 (2025)

Birmingham, AL

+31.6%

$47,700 (2019) → $62,770 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Alabaster or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $66,091/year, compared to Alabaster at $62,019/year — a difference of $4,072 (6.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Birmingham?

Alabaster radiologic technologist and technicians earn $29.82/hr while Birmingham hygienists earn $31.78/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alabaster to Birmingham as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alabaster and Birmingham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alabaster = $70,556, Birmingham = $72,117), job availability (8 vs 1,050 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Alabaster vs Birmingham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $47,097 in Alabaster and $43,685 in Birmingham. The Alabaster area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov