Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Tuscaloosa, AL: $59,720 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologic technologist and technician in Tuscaloosa, AL earns a median $59,720/year (≈ $28.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2034). Once you factor in Tuscaloosa's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.7), that paycheck buys what $68,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $59,720, radiologic technologists and technicians in Tuscaloosa, AL earn less than their national counterparts, who average $84,348. The salary range for this role in Tuscaloosa extends from $45,338 at the 10th percentile to $84,548 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant disparity in income levels based on experience and specialization. Cross-training in modalities like CT and MRI can elevate earning potential, as professionals with such credentials are typically compensated at the higher end of the pay scale. The data sourced from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys suggests that the job market in Tuscaloosa is moderately stable, with demand for qualified individuals in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals and imaging centers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,338 | $21.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,971 | $25.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,720 | $28.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,881 | $34.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,548 | $40.64 |
Median Salary Position
29.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tuscaloosa
In Tuscaloosa, AL, the radiologic technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,210 (2026 est.). At $59,720, the local median is 29.2% below the national median of $84,348.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tuscaloosa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tuscaloosa Radiologic Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Tuscaloosa median: $59,720/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tuscaloosa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $64,009 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $84,348 | -29.20% less |
Radiologic Technologist and Technicians in Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $59,720 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.20% lower than the national median of $84,348 and 6.70% below the Alabama state average of $64,009.
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 radiologic technologist and technician earning $59,720 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,079 in an average-cost city — an effective 14% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$44,770
2025 BLS Actual
$56,720
2026 Current Est.
$59,720
2019–2027 Growth
+40.5%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Tuscaloosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,720 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,880 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area, the median radiologic technologist and technician salary grew 26.7% from $44,770 (2019) to $56,720 (2025). At a 5.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,880 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,110 (40.45%) 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 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) | $45,338 – $52,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,971 – $59,720 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,720 – $71,881 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,881 – $84,548 |
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 Tuscaloosa
Analyzing the job market further, there are currently about 170 radiologic technologists and technicians working in Tuscaloosa. Given the area’s cost-of-living index of 87.722, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for these salaries can be favorable. Employers in the city, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, tend to offer more competitive wages compared to smaller practices and mobile X-ray companies. Factors influencing pay include the complexity of imaging modalities, shifts worked, and the ability to handle call coverage. Those looking to enhance their earnings should consider obtaining additional certifications, working in higher-paying environments, or pursuing roles that involve leadership or supervisory responsibilities. Understanding these dynamics can help current and aspiring radiologic technologists and technicians make informed decisions about their careers in Tuscaloosa.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologic technologists and technicians make in Tuscaloosa, AL in 2026?
Is Tuscaloosa, AL a good place to work as a radiologic technologist and technician?
Can radiologic technologists and technicians make $100K in Tuscaloosa?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologic technologist and technician salary in Tuscaloosa?
How much does a radiologic technologist and technician make per hour in Tuscaloosa?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
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 $56,720 for radiologic technologists and techniciansin the Tuscaloosa 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
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 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