Birmingham vs Hoover: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Hoover, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Hoover, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,336▲ | $72,138 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.26▲ | $34.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,906▲ | $50,323 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,201▲ | $59,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,073▲ | $80,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,599 | $96,834▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hoover.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Hoover is $1,198 (1.66%). Birmingham's median is -27.64% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $23,693,Hoover spans $46,511. Hoover has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hoover ($82,068 effective) pays 2.56% more than Birmingham ($80,023 effective).
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 ($73,336/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Hoover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,834)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,068)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Birmingham grew 13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Hoover over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$61,840 (2019) → $69,890 (2025)
Hoover, AL
$60,351 (2024) → $68,749 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Hoover, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Birmingham or Hoover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Hoover?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Hoover as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Birmingham vs Hoover?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% 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 Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov