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Medical Assistant Salary in Birmingham, AL β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Birmingham β€” Key Numbers

$36,120
Median Salary
$30,926
25th Percentile
$42,630
75th Percentile
$49,742
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-14.0%
Birmingham median household income$55,800
vs. City household income-35.3%

Cost of Living in Birmingham

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$898/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.8%
Annual rent cost$10,776
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary6.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Birmingham

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,120,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
37.7
Median Age

Birmingham has a metro population of 1,120,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Medical Assistant Salary β€” Other Alabama Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Birmingham, AL?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Birmingham is $36,120 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Birmingham's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $30,926 (25th percentile) to $42,630 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $49,742.

Is Birmingham affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $36,120 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Birmingham would spend approximately 29.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($898/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $215,000 is 6.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Medical Assistant's salary compare to Birmingham's overall income?

Birmingham's median household income is $55,800. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $36,120 earns 35.3% less than the typical Birmingham household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Birmingham has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.