Salary & Cost of Living in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL: $52,800 median salary, cost of living index 92, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,800
$25/hr
Cost of Living
92
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Birmingham, AL Overview
Population
197,575
Median Salary
$52,800
Average Salary
$58,200
Avg Commute
25 min
Median Home Price
$175,000
Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
10%
Birmingham is located in Alabama with a population of 197,575. The median household salary is $52,800 per year ($25/hour), which is $6,584 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Birmingham Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Birmingham, AL, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$41,823
$3,485.28/month · $1,608.59/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.8%
Gross Pay
$52,800
Federal Tax
-$4,298
State Tax
-$2,112
Local Tax
-$528
FICA
-$4,039
Net Pay
$41,823
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,400.00 | $52,800.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$358.13 | -$4,297.50 |
| Alabama State Tax (4%) | -$176.00 | -$2,112.00 |
| Local Tax (1%) | -$44.00 | -$528.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$272.80 | -$3,273.60 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$63.80 | -$765.60 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,485.28 | $41,823.30 |
Salary Comparison: Birmingham vs Other Cities
See how Birmingham's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | $52,800 | 92 | $57,391 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $53,000 | 90 | $58,889 |
| Kenosha, WI | $53,000 | 90 | $58,889 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $52,500 | 84 | $62,500 |
| Kansas City, KS | $52,500 | 85 | $61,765 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Birmingham
Birmingham's cost of living index is 92 (national average = 100). Living in Birmingham is 8% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$175,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Annual Rent Cost
$12,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $41,823 annual take-home pay in Birmingham has the purchasing power of approximately $45,460 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,800 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Birmingham
Birmingham's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,800.
Salary Tips for Birmingham Workers
- Research top industries. Birmingham's top industries include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,800 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Birmingham, AL?
The median salary in Birmingham, AL is $52,800 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $58,200. This is $6,584 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL?
Birmingham's cost of living index is 92 (national average = 100), meaning it is 8% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $175,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,050.
What are the best industries in Birmingham?
The top industries in Birmingham, AL include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,800.
How does Birmingham's salary compare to other cities?
Birmingham's median salary of $52,800 is 11.1% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 92), the real purchasing power is approximately $57,391.
What is the minimum wage in Birmingham, AL?
The minimum wage in Birmingham, AL is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.