Salary & Cost of Living in Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL: $45,500 median salary, cost of living index 86, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$45,500
$22/hr
Cost of Living
86
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.3%
rate
Tuscaloosa, AL Overview
Population
101,113
Median Salary
$45,500
Average Salary
$50,800
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$195,000
Median Rent
$950/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
10%
Tuscaloosa is located in Alabama with a population of 101,113. The median household salary is $45,500 per year ($22/hour), which is $13,884 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Tuscaloosa Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Tuscaloosa, AL, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$36,778
$3,064.81/month · $1,414.53/biweekly · Effective Rate: 19.2%
Gross Pay
$45,500
Federal Tax
-$3,422
State Tax
-$1,820
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,481
Net Pay
$36,778
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,791.67 | $45,500.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$285.13 | -$3,421.50 |
| Alabama State Tax (4%) | -$151.67 | -$1,820.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$235.08 | -$2,821.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$54.98 | -$659.75 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,064.81 | $36,777.75 |
Salary Comparison: Tuscaloosa vs Other Cities
See how Tuscaloosa's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $45,500 | 86 | $52,907 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| San Bernardino, CA | $46,000 | 100 | $46,000 |
| Visalia, CA | $46,000 | 95 | $48,421 |
| Macon, GA | $46,000 | 82 | $56,098 |
| Cicero, IL | $45,000 | 88 | $51,136 |
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 Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100). Living in Tuscaloosa is 14% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$195,000
Median Monthly Rent
$950
Annual Rent Cost
$11,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $36,778 annual take-home pay in Tuscaloosa has the purchasing power of approximately $42,765 in an average-cost US area. Your $45,500 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Tuscaloosa
Tuscaloosa's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $45,500.
Salary Tips for Tuscaloosa Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Tuscaloosa has a cost of living 14% below the national average. A salary of $45,500 here has the purchasing power of about $52,907 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Tuscaloosa's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $45,500 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.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The median salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $45,500 per year, or $22 per hour. The average salary is $50,800. This is $13,884 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Tuscaloosa's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $195,000 and the median monthly rent is $950.
What are the best industries in Tuscaloosa?
The top industries in Tuscaloosa, AL include Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $45,500.
How does Tuscaloosa's salary compare to other cities?
Tuscaloosa's median salary of $45,500 is 23.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 86), the real purchasing power is approximately $52,907.
What is the minimum wage in Tuscaloosa, AL?
The minimum wage in Tuscaloosa, 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.