Radiography Tech Salary

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

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

Birmingham, AL
$66,091
$31.78/hr
Madison, AL
$62,405
$30.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALMadison, AL
Median Salary$66,091$62,405
Hourly Rate$31.78$30.01
Entry Level (P10)$43,685$44,819
25th Percentile$56,372$50,927
75th Percentile$79,652$77,067
Top Earner (P90)$86,896$92,211
Total Employed1,0509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($66,091) and Madison ($62,405) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.BirminghamMadisonMedian Salary$66,091$62,405Entry Level (P10)$43,685$44,819Top Earner (P90)$86,896$92,211US Median $84,348

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Birmingham and Madison is $3,686 (5.91%). 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 Birmingham spans $43,211,Madison spans $47,392. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$43,685
P25$56,372
Median$66,091
P75$79,652
P90 (Top)$86,896
Madison
P10 (Entry)$44,819
P25$50,927
Median$62,405
P75$77,067
P90 (Top)$92,211

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($72,117 effective) pays 1.58% more than Madison ($70,995 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $66,091
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $72,117
Madison
Nominal: $62,405
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $70,995

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Madison if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($92,211)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Birmingham grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Madison over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+31.6%

$47,700 (2019) → $62,770 (2025)

Madison, AL

+19.2%

$49,707 (2024) → $59,270 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Birmingham has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $66,091/year, compared to Madison at $62,405/year — a difference of $3,686 (5.91%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Madison?

Birmingham radiologic technologist and technicians earn $31.78/hr while Madison hygienists earn $30.01/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $72,117, Madison = $70,995), job availability (1,050 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $43,685 in Birmingham and $44,819 in Madison. The Madison 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