Radiologist Salary in Opelika, AL: $406,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time radiologist in Opelika, AL earns a median $406,670/year (≈ $195.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1224). Once you factor in Opelika's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $462,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Radiologists in Opelika, Alabama, can expect a median annual salary of $406,670 in 2026, which reflects a more modest financial outlook compared to the national median of $441,903. With a salary range from $235,869 at the 10th percentile to $563,291 at the 90th percentile, these estimates derived from 2025 BLS data indicate competitive compensation within the local healthcare market. The structural divide between those employed in hospital W-2 positions versus private partnerships plays a significant role in compensation levels. In hospitals, salaries generally lean towards the lower end, while radiologists in private practices frequently enjoy higher earnings as they may benefit from productivity-based compensation models, particularly in an evolving market influenced by private equity interests.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($340,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $235,869 | $113.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $292,803 | $140.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $406,670 | $195.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $488,000 | $234.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $563,291 | $270.82 |
Median Salary Position
7.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Opelika
In Opelika, AL, the radiologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $327,422 (2026 est.). At $406,670, the local median is 7.97% below the national median of $441,903.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Opelika: You'd be above the median
How Opelika Radiologist Pay Compares
Opelika median: $406,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Opelika Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $420,984 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $441,903 | -7.97% less |
Radiologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $406,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.97% lower than the national median of $441,903 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $420,984.
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 radiologist earning $406,670 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $462,651 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% 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
2021 BLS Actual
$318,637
2025 BLS Actual
$387,305
2026 Current Est.
$406,670
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Opelika (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $318,637 | Actual |
| 2022 | $334,569 | Actual |
| 2023 | $351,297 | Actual |
| 2024 | $288,653 | Actual |
| 2025 | $387,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $406,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $427,004 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Opelika metropolitan area, the median radiologist salary grew 21.6% from $318,637 (2021) to $387,305 (2025). At a 5.00% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $427,004 by 2027 — a total increase of $108,367 (34.01%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-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) | $235,869 – $292,803 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $292,803 – $406,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $406,670 – $488,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $488,000 – $563,291 |
MD, DO salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual radiologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Radiologist Job Market in Opelika
The local job market shows that only seven radiologists are currently employed in Opelika, suggesting limited competition for positions and potentially enhancing job security. However, the cost of living index stands at 87.9, indicating that daily living expenses are lower than the national average, which may positively impact take-home income. Radiologists affiliated with private radiology groups often command higher salaries compared to their counterparts in hospital settings, particularly those offering teleradiology services or working in specialized areas like interventional radiology, where premium pay is common. Key factors such as RVU productivity and equity stakes in partnerships can substantially affect earnings, as well as considerations for weekend or night shifts. To maximize pay, local radiologists should explore partnerships, negotiate contracts emphasizing subspecialty skills, and consider opportunities for supplemental income through teleradiology roles.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do radiologists make in Opelika, AL in 2026?
Is Opelika, AL a good place to work as a radiologist?
Can radiologists make $100K in Opelika?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted radiologist salary in Opelika?
How much does a radiologist make per hour in Opelika?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alabama
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical 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 $387,305 for radiologistsin the Opelika metropolitan area. A 5.00% 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 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov