Registered Nurse Salary in Birmingham, AL — 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.
Registered Nurse Salary in Birmingham — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Birmingham
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Birmingham
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.
Financial Calculators for Birmingham
Other Professions in Birmingham
Registered Nurse Salary — Other Alabama Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurse make in Birmingham, AL?
The estimated median salary for a Registered Nurse in Birmingham is $74,020 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $86,070 adjusted by Birmingham's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $59,245 (25th percentile) to $92,613 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $114,105.
Is Birmingham affordable for a Registered Nurse?
On a $74,020 annual salary, a Registered Nurse in Birmingham would spend approximately 14.6% of gross monthly income on median rent ($898/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Birmingham relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 2.9× the annual salary.
How does a Registered Nurse's salary compare to Birmingham's overall income?
Birmingham's median household income is $55,800. A Registered Nurse earning the city-adjusted median of $74,020 earns 32.7% more than the typical Birmingham household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
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.