MRI Technologist Pay

Albertville vs Birmingham: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Albertville, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albertville, AL
$84,434
$40.59/hr
Birmingham, AL
$88,530
$42.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbertville, ALBirmingham, AL
Median Salary$84,434$88,530
Hourly Rate$40.59$42.56
Entry Level (P10)$64,274$68,427
25th Percentile$76,194$75,086
75th Percentile$89,801$90,714
Top Earner (P90)$103,325$106,900
Total Employed4150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albertville ($84,434) and Birmingham ($88,530) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.AlbertvilleBirminghamMedian Salary$84,434$88,530Entry Level (P10)$64,274$68,427Top Earner (P90)$103,325$106,900US Median $100,283

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albertville.

The salary gap between Albertville and Birmingham is $4,096 (4.85%). Birmingham's median is -11.72% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albertville spans $39,051,Birmingham spans $38,473. Albertville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albertville
P10 (Entry)$64,274
P25$76,194
Median$84,434
P75$89,801
P90 (Top)$103,325
Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$68,427
P25$75,086
Median$88,530
P75$90,714
P90 (Top)$106,900

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($96,602 effective) pays 0.57% more than Albertville ($96,057 effective).

Albertville
Nominal: $84,434
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $96,057
Birmingham
Nominal: $88,530
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $96,602

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albertville if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($88,530/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,900)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,602)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Albertville grew 40.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.

Albertville, AL

+40.4%

$57,253 (2024) → $80,390 (2025)

Birmingham, AL

+34.6%

$62,620 (2019) → $84,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Albertville or Birmingham?

Birmingham has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $88,530/year, compared to Albertville at $84,434/year — a difference of $4,096 (4.85%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albertville and Birmingham?

Albertville magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $40.59/hr while Birmingham hygienists earn $42.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albertville to Birmingham as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albertville and Birmingham. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albertville = $96,057, Birmingham = $96,602), job availability (4 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Albertville vs Birmingham?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $64,274 in Albertville and $68,427 in Birmingham. The Birmingham area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)

Career Analyst

Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% 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 Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov