Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $33.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a radiologic technologist and technician working in Opelika, AL runs $33.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,141 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, radiologic technologists and technicians can expect a median hourly pay of $33.77, which falls below the national median of $40.55. This discrepancy in pay suggests that while local professionals are compensated fairly for their role, there remains room for growth compared to national standards. For part-time workers, such as those who operate three days a week, this translates to approximately $54,030 annually, which enables a balanced lifestyle while maintaining proficiency in their skill sets across various settings like hospitals, outpatient centers, and urgent care facilities. Additionally, the hourly range varies widely, from $25.57 for entry-level positions to $49.03 for experienced technologists, reflecting the diverse career trajectories available within the field.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.57 | $204.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.43 | $227.43 |
| Median (P50) | $33.77 | $270.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.54 | $332.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.03 | $392.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $33.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.77/hr, a radiologic technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $70,234 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,520. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,350.66 | $5,853 | $70,234 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $810.40 | $3,512 | $42,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $540.26 | $2,341 | $28,094 |
Compare RT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologist and Technician (Opelika) | $33.77 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Respiratory Therapist (National Avg) | $37.72 |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Opelika, AL earn a median of $70,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.72% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 9.70% above the Alabama state average of $64,031.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.77/hr = $42,141/year (purchasing power: $47,942).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,234/year (purchasing power: $79,903).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Opelika grew 32.4% from $24.22/hr (2019) to $32.07/hr (2025). At a 5.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.55/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem radiologic technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Radiologic Technologist and Technician in Opelika
Evaluating part-time opportunities further illustrates the earning potential within Opelika. A radiologic technologist working only 24 hours a week could receive take-home pay significantly lower than full-time counterparts, but still stay competitive in the local market. For those considering per diem arrangements, typical compensation ranges from $40 to $60 hourly, with advanced modalities like CT and MRI allowing for even higher rates between $50 and $75. Travel contracts often offer lucrative opportunities, paying between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, especially for skilled cross-trained professionals. The choice of employer greatly influences hourly rates, with professionals choosing between hospitals, outpatient centers, surgical practices, and even travel agencies. Many may opt for slightly lower hourly pay at hospitals for the stability of benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay that comes with less security. Negotiating pay can also hinge on one’s specialization and willingness to work in high-demand areas.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for radiologic technologists and technicians in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time radiologic technologists and technicians make in Opelika?
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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.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for radiologic technologists and technicians in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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