Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Opelika, AL: $70,242 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Opelika, AL earns a median $70,242/year (≈ $33.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $79,911 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.7% above the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, radiologic technologists and technicians in Opelika, Alabama, can expect a median annual salary of $70,242. This represents a notable disparity compared to the national median of $84,348, positioning Opelika's pay approximately 16.72% lower than the national average. The salary range for this local market varies widely, from $53,194 at the 10th percentile to $101,985 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse roles within this profession. Additional credentials, such as cross-training in CT, MRI, and mammography, can significantly impact compensation. These specializations not only broaden skill sets but also enhance earning potential, indicating a competitive job market for those with enhanced qualifications that meet the evolving demands of healthcare settings in Opelika.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,194 | $25.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,133 | $28.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,242 | $33.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,389 | $41.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,985 | $49.03 |
Median Salary Position
16.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,791 (2026 est.). At $70,242, the local median is 16.72% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Opelika Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Opelika median: $70,242/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $64,031 | +9.70% more |
| National Average | $84,348 | -16.72% less |
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.
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 radiologic technologist and technician earning $70,242 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,911 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,391
2025 BLS Actual
$66,713
2026 Current Est.
$70,242
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,391 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,107 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,133 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,242 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,958 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 32.4% from $50,391 (2019) to $66,713 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,958 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,567 (46.77%) 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 5.29% 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) | $53,194 – $59,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,133 – $70,242 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,242 – $86,389 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,389 – $101,985 |
RT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologic technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Job Market in Opelika
The job market for radiologic technologists and technicians in Opelika includes approximately seven employed professionals, which hints at a competitive yet stable landscape. Living costs are represented by a cost-of-living index of 87.9, suggesting that salaries, while below the national average, can afford a reasonable standard of living in the area. Leading employers often include hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, where opportunities for higher pay can arise through varied modalities and specialties. Factors such as shift differentials, call coverage, and supervisor stipends often create a wide pay spread; radiologic technologists and technicians who pursue cross-training and gain certifications are likely to see enhanced salaries. Engaging with local travel rad tech agencies, particularly in high-demand areas, can also be a strategic way to maximize income in Opelika's evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $66,713 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Opelika metropolitan area. A 5.29% 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 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