Alabama salaries by occupation
The median worker in Alabama earned $43,830 a year in 2024, about $21.07 an hour, 11.5% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 591 occupations.
Median pay $43,830 $21.07 per hour
Vs national median -11.5% U.S. $49,500
Workers 2,091,480 wage and salary
Occupations reported 591 with at least 100 employed
What Alabama is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logging Equipment Operators | 6.38× | 1,950 | $48,990 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 6× | 5,570 | $133,080 |
| Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | 5.02× | 1,100 | $49,010 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 5× | 9,560 | $28,380 |
| Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4.9× | 1,490 | $50,950 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 4.61× | 1,290 | $38,950 |
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 4.53× | 890 | $37,860 |
| Avionics Technicians | 4.14× | 1,170 | $92,100 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | 3.76× | 2,380 | $37,070 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 3.75× | 650 | $45,720 |
Metro areas in Alabama
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 13 Alabama metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsville | $50,470 | $24.26 | 260,190 | #67 |
| Birmingham | $46,330 | $22.28 | 517,920 | #209 |
| Tuscaloosa | $45,440 | $21.84 | 108,360 | #242 |
| Mobile | $44,600 | $21.44 | 169,130 | #278 |
| Decatur | $44,470 | $21.38 | 59,180 | #284 |
| Montgomery | $42,600 | $20.48 | 163,140 | #320 |
| Columbus | $40,780 | $19.60 | 116,210 | #346 |
| Anniston-Oxford | $39,610 | $19.04 | 43,320 | #359 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals | $38,640 | $18.58 | 55,490 | #365 |
| Auburn-Opelika | $38,060 | $18.30 | 71,720 | #372 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley | $37,430 | $18.00 | 84,090 | #376 |
| Dothan | $36,730 | $17.66 | 60,210 | #379 |
| Gadsden | $35,220 | $16.93 | 33,060 | #384 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatricians, General | $202,330 | $97.27 | 330 | #21 of 37 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $198,930 | $95.64 | 380 | #21 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $179,160 | $86.14 | 1,410 | #23 of 25 |
| Chief Executives | $164,400 | $79.04 | 830 | #21 of 33 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $157,520 | $75.73 | 3,480 | #25 of 49 |
| Engineers, All Other | $146,480 | $70.42 | 3,370 | #2 of 51 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $144,410 | $69.43 | 270 | #6 of 22 |
| Podiatrists | $140,580 | $67.59 | 100 | #13 of 21 |
| Financial Managers | $138,040 | $66.37 | 6,390 | #23 of 51 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $136,660 | $65.70 | 800 | #13 of 37 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $134,430 | n/a | 340 | #12 of 18 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $134,370 | $64.60 | 100 | #6 of 35 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 60,330 | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Registered Nurses | 53,340 | $71,040 | $34.16 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 51,030 | $40,620 | $19.53 |
| Cashiers | 48,790 | $26,760 | $12.86 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 44,120 | $32,050 | $15.41 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 42,180 | $40,200 | $19.33 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 37,960 | $35,780 | $17.20 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 37,500 | $23,490 | $11.30 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 37,490 | $50,120 | $24.09 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 33,720 | $37,730 | $18.14 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Alabama
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 77
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $110,970
- Power Plant Operators $103,640
- Gas Plant Operators $73,270
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $72,900
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $67,210
- Tool and Die Makers $63,500
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $62,310
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $62,010
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $60,840
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $58,150
- Machinists $53,320
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $51,260
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,950
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $49,430
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,380
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $49,010
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $48,730
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $48,730
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $48,620
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $47,520
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $47,460
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $47,170
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $45,720
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,510
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,720
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,750
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,290
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $40,980
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $40,620
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $40,440
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,220
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,030
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $39,830
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $39,730
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $39,710
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,460
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $39,210
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $39,190
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,950
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,910
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $38,100
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,860
- Upholsterers $37,690
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $37,550
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,450
- Production Workers, All Other $37,430
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $37,380
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,310
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $37,220
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $37,000
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $36,860
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $36,620
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $36,600
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $36,470
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $36,240
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $35,920
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $35,880
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $35,770
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $35,760
- Food Batchmakers $35,260
- Printing Press Operators $34,980
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $34,920
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $34,870
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $34,820
- Helpers--Production Workers $34,520
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $33,060
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $32,930
- Furniture Finishers $32,420
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $32,140
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $31,830
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $31,810
- Bakers $31,610
- Sewing Machine Operators $30,140
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $28,380
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $28,230
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $27,320
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $26,200
Education and library 51
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $116,190
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $103,210
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $88,440
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $85,400
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $84,160
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $82,810
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $81,800
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $81,040
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $79,540
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,340
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $77,940
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $77,270
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $77,200
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $77,030
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,300
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary $73,250
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $66,270
- Instructional Coordinators $65,880
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $65,810
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $65,670
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $65,480
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $64,060
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $64,020
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $63,350
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $62,240
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $61,990
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $61,990
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $61,100
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $61,000
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $60,840
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $60,760
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $60,530
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $60,100
- Farm and Home Management Educators $60,060
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,900
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $59,850
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $58,660
- Curators $58,390
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $57,730
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $51,030
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $48,790
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $48,750
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $48,000
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $41,420
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $38,340
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $37,200
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $36,070
- Library Technicians $32,910
- Tutors $31,160
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $27,630
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $22,790
Office and administrative support 42
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $68,310
- Postal Service Clerks $61,110
- Brokerage Clerks $60,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $59,440
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $56,980
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $55,410
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $55,200
- Cargo and Freight Agents $53,100
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $52,670
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $51,720
- Procurement Clerks $49,920
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $48,350
- Meter Readers, Utilities $47,470
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $46,390
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $46,130
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $45,470
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $44,690
- Order Clerks $44,260
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $43,760
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $42,490
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $40,200
- Bill and Account Collectors $40,020
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $39,560
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $39,050
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $38,540
- Billing and Posting Clerks $38,130
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $38,120
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $37,850
- Customer Service Representatives $37,730
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $36,460
- Tellers $36,350
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $36,310
- File Clerks $36,030
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,700
- Data Entry Keyers $33,670
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $33,020
- Couriers and Messengers $31,870
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $31,450
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $30,900
- Office Clerks, General $30,440
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $28,260
- Library Assistants, Clerical $27,300
Healthcare practitioners 41
- Pediatricians, General $202,330
- Family Medicine Physicians $198,930
- Nurse Anesthetists $179,160
- Podiatrists $140,580
- Pharmacists $133,930
- Optometrists $129,700
- Nurse Practitioners $106,930
- Physician Assistants $101,620
- Veterinarians $98,060
- Physical Therapists $97,040
- Occupational Therapists $95,410
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $92,750
- Radiation Therapists $85,950
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $79,230
- Audiologists $76,900
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $74,920
- Chiropractors $74,210
- Speech-Language Pathologists $72,560
- Registered Nurses $71,040
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $66,340
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $65,240
- Respiratory Therapists $64,010
- Dental Hygienists $59,840
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $56,790
- Athletic Trainers $53,640
- Recreational Therapists $52,050
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $51,060
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $50,100
- Surgical Technologists $48,920
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $47,790
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $45,280
- Paramedics $45,020
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $43,370
- Surgical Assistants $38,900
- Medical Records Specialists $38,540
- Pharmacy Technicians $37,690
- Emergency Medical Technicians $36,260
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $36,260
- Opticians, Dispensing $35,570
- Psychiatric Technicians $35,200
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $30,480
Construction and extraction 38
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $89,750
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $64,030
- Boilermakers $63,220
- Construction and Building Inspectors $61,500
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $60,440
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $60,030
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $56,540
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $53,840
- Electricians $52,420
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $51,410
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $48,970
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $48,820
- Carpenters $47,880
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $47,640
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $47,360
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $47,260
- Glaziers $47,220
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $46,880
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $46,870
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $46,130
- Sheet Metal Workers $46,100
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $45,690
- Roofers $45,220
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $43,740
- Tile and Stone Setters $42,740
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $42,130
- Pipelayers $39,870
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $39,000
- Fence Erectors $38,920
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $38,810
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $38,480
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $38,280
- Carpet Installers $37,610
- Construction Laborers $36,300
- Helpers--Carpenters $36,170
- Highway Maintenance Workers $36,050
- Helpers--Electricians $35,860
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $35,690
Installation, maintenance and repair 37
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $96,100
- Avionics Technicians $92,100
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $86,780
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $84,340
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $73,020
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $64,780
- Millwrights $63,330
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $62,400
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $61,200
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $61,070
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $60,390
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $59,660
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $57,870
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $55,320
- Medical Equipment Repairers $52,550
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $49,780
- Rail Car Repairers $49,480
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $49,290
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $49,060
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $47,250
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $46,230
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $45,750
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $45,710
- Mechanical Door Repairers $45,180
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $44,790
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $44,140
- Motorcycle Mechanics $43,270
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $43,250
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $41,600
- Riggers $41,550
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $39,940
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $39,260
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $38,120
- Home Appliance Repairers $37,770
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $37,070
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $35,160
- Tire Repairers and Changers $29,790
Transport and material moving 34
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $134,430
- Air Traffic Controllers $112,740
- Commercial Pilots $106,840
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $85,260
- Ship Engineers $79,240
- Airfield Operations Specialists $78,270
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $76,400
- Locomotive Engineers $73,780
- Transportation Inspectors $70,550
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,570
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $54,480
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers $51,560
- Traffic Technicians $50,660
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $50,120
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $48,460
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,340
- Crane and Tower Operators $47,620
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $47,170
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $42,640
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $39,850
- Light Truck Drivers $38,130
- Driver/Sales Workers $37,710
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $37,300
- Aircraft Service Attendants $37,180
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $37,070
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $35,780
- Stockers and Order Fillers $32,050
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $31,180
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $29,990
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $28,500
- Parking Attendants $28,250
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $27,690
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $25,480
- Bus Drivers, School $17,620
Management 31
- Chief Executives $164,400
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $157,520
- Financial Managers $138,040
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $133,500
- Purchasing Managers $127,680
- Natural Sciences Managers $127,210
- Facilities Managers $119,330
- Managers, All Other $116,830
- Industrial Production Managers $115,470
- Training and Development Managers $113,010
- Marketing Managers $112,960
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $110,450
- Human Resources Managers $110,030
- Sales Managers $108,740
- General and Operations Managers $106,330
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $102,540
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $99,290
- Administrative Services Managers $97,960
- Public Relations Managers $93,040
- Medical and Health Services Managers $92,950
- Construction Managers $92,620
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $92,120
- Fundraising Managers $85,600
- Lodging Managers $78,430
- Emergency Management Directors $65,570
- Social and Community Service Managers $65,160
- Funeral Home Managers $65,020
- Food Service Managers $59,920
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $56,190
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $41,150
- Legislators $26,990
Business and financial 28
- Management Analysts $102,480
- Credit Analysts $101,050
- Budget Analysts $98,080
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $98,070
- Project Management Specialists $97,840
- Logisticians $95,030
- Financial and Investment Analysts $94,660
- Financial Risk Specialists $82,900
- Financial Examiners $80,870
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $80,060
- Personal Financial Advisors $79,600
- Financial Specialists, All Other $78,370
- Accountants and Auditors $71,070
- Compliance Officers $70,190
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $68,210
- Cost Estimators $68,030
- Training and Development Specialists $65,520
- Insurance Underwriters $63,760
- Human Resources Specialists $62,770
- Loan Officers $60,750
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $56,720
- Labor Relations Specialists $56,360
- Fundraisers $55,920
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $55,390
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $53,050
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $52,470
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $48,590
- Tax Preparers $33,490
Life, physical and social science 27
- Psychologists, All Other $134,370
- Physical Scientists, All Other $131,560
- Physicists $114,690
- Nuclear Technicians $107,680
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $100,320
- Chemists $96,000
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $95,640
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $84,720
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $80,310
- Biological Scientists, All Other $80,230
- Conservation Scientists $76,270
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $75,440
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $74,660
- School Psychologists $71,660
- Foresters $71,070
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $68,760
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $65,750
- Urban and Regional Planners $64,880
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $64,860
- Forensic Science Technicians $59,560
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $57,720
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $53,910
- Chemical Technicians $52,680
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $52,510
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $45,890
- Biological Technicians $45,880
Architecture and engineering 26
- Engineers, All Other $146,480
- Nuclear Engineers $144,410
- Computer Hardware Engineers $136,660
- Aerospace Engineers $133,080
- Electrical Engineers $115,870
- Materials Engineers $110,150
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $108,240
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $106,130
- Chemical Engineers $103,620
- Environmental Engineers $100,060
- Industrial Engineers $99,120
- Civil Engineers $98,100
- Mechanical Engineers $97,550
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $94,170
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $81,060
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $78,520
- Landscape Architects $76,590
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $69,590
- Surveyors $63,700
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $61,220
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,860
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $56,030
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $53,490
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $51,720
- Mechanical Drafters $49,580
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $46,260
Arts, design, entertainment and media 23
- Technical Writers $80,570
- Art Directors $77,140
- Film and Video Editors $70,310
- Producers and Directors $63,920
- Athletes and Sports Competitors $61,670
- Public Relations Specialists $61,160
- Interior Designers $57,290
- Writers and Authors $57,120
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $54,280
- Graphic Designers $48,130
- Broadcast Technicians $46,140
- Interpreters and Translators $45,760
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $45,180
- Editors $44,990
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $44,730
- Audio and Video Technicians $43,240
- Coaches and Scouts $41,150
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $37,040
- Photographers $35,140
- Craft Artists $35,090
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,920
- Floral Designers $31,360
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Computing and mathematics 18
- Computer Network Architects $128,210
- Operations Research Analysts $117,540
- Software Developers $113,020
- Database Architects $111,330
- Information Security Analysts $111,110
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $108,180
- Data Scientists $105,410
- Computer Occupations, All Other $104,330
- Computer Systems Analysts $103,730
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $99,520
- Database Administrators $88,560
- Computer Programmers $87,230
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $81,060
- Statisticians $67,490
- Web Developers $62,990
- Computer Network Support Specialists $58,740
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $49,770
- Computer User Support Specialists $48,860
Protective service 18
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $80,570
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $75,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $75,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $73,720
- Fish and Game Wardens $71,070
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $66,020
- Transportation Security Screeners $60,510
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $53,850
- Firefighters $47,490
- Private Detectives and Investigators $47,180
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $46,400
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $46,360
- Animal Control Workers $36,990
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $36,970
- Security Guards $31,210
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $27,790
- School Bus Monitors $26,590
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $25,480
Personal care and service 18
- Animal Trainers $58,480
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $48,450
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $39,940
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $38,480
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $37,400
- Skincare Specialists $35,710
- Concierges $30,510
- Tour and Travel Guides $29,800
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,660
- Funeral Attendants $29,260
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $27,980
- Animal Caretakers $27,940
- Residential Advisors $27,750
- Recreation Workers $27,320
- Childcare Workers $22,420
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $21,930
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $21,570
- Shampooers $20,970
Sales 17
- Sales Engineers $89,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $68,220
- Insurance Sales Agents $63,060
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $62,500
- Real Estate Brokers $62,000
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $59,640
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $57,440
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $57,300
- Real Estate Sales Agents $48,740
- Travel Agents $48,650
- Advertising Sales Agents $47,570
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $42,670
- Telemarketers $33,690
- Parts Salespersons $33,230
- Counter and Rental Clerks $30,750
- Retail Salespersons $29,430
- Cashiers $26,760
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $61,990
- Physical Therapist Assistants $60,890
- Massage Therapists $48,960
- Dental Assistants $37,280
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $36,260
- Phlebotomists $35,970
- Medical Equipment Preparers $35,040
- Medical Assistants $34,980
- Pharmacy Aides $34,240
- Medical Transcriptionists $32,590
- Nursing Assistants $32,470
- Orderlies $31,240
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $29,660
- Psychiatric Aides $29,320
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $27,100
- Physical Therapist Aides $25,220
Community and social service 14
- Social Workers, All Other $89,170
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $65,190
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $60,530
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $58,390
- Healthcare Social Workers $58,000
- Rehabilitation Counselors $54,320
- Marriage and Family Therapists $54,280
- Health Education Specialists $53,110
- Clergy $50,050
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $48,880
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $46,890
- Community Health Workers $43,950
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $42,100
- Social and Human Service Assistants $34,040
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $62,670
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $35,940
- Cooks, Restaurant $30,100
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $27,810
- Dishwashers $27,230
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $26,780
- Cooks, Fast Food $26,690
- Food Preparation Workers $25,510
- Cooks, Short Order $25,340
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $24,960
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $23,490
- Bartenders $22,670
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $22,290
- Waiters and Waitresses $21,920
Building and grounds maintenance 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $49,540
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $44,890
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $43,200
- Pest Control Workers $40,020
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $39,600
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $35,160
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,120
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $27,160
Farming, fishing and forestry 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $58,870
- Logging Equipment Operators $48,990
- Log Graders and Scalers $44,800
- Agricultural Inspectors $39,560
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $35,150
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $35,080
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $33,280
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $29,410
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Alabama?
The median across all occupations is $43,830 a year, or $21.07 an hour, covering 2,091,480 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Alabama?
Pediatricians, General ($202,330), Family Medicine Physicians ($198,930), Nurse Anesthetists ($179,160) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Alabama employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 60,330 employed at a median of $29,430. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Alabama electricity averages 16.77¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.