Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2025 reference period
60 Highest Paying Jobs in Birmingham, AL (2026)
The highest-paying job in Birmingham, AL, Alabama is Pediatrician with a median salary of $189,650 as of 2026, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. Across all 60 tracked occupations the average median is $94,647, with 24 occupations paying a six-figure ($100K+) median. Birmingham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (national average = 100), so a $94,647 nominal salary equals $104,698 in average-cost-metro buying power.
The 60 occupations below are ranked by median wage in Birmingham, AL, AL, from BLS OEWS data. Birmingham, AL's cost-of-living index runs 90.4 (national baseline = 100), which shapes the headline-wage interpretation. Top-paying occupations in any U.S. metro typically cluster around physicians, dentists, executives, tech specialists, and licensed professionals. The specific top of the list varies with local industry concentration: tech-heavy metros boost software-engineering ranks, finance-heavy metros boost banking ranks.
Each role on the ranking links to the per-role-and-city page with full percentile distribution (p10 to p90), employment count, and cost-adjusted wage. For workers comparing offers within Birmingham, AL, the percentile data is the most decision-relevant.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Birmingham, AL
Ranked by median (50th percentile) salary. The COL-Adjusted column rebases each nominal salary to Birmingham, AL's cost-of-living index of 90.4 so you can compare buying power against an average-cost U.S. metro.
Median $189,650 · 10th–90th $177,950–$258,580 · 80 jobs in metro
Pediatricians in Birmingham, AL earn $189,650 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $258,580. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $209,790 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $170,230 · 10th–90th $65,650–$272,900 · 2,800 jobs in metro
Lawyers in Birmingham, AL earn $170,230 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $272,900. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $188,308 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $162,890 · 10th–90th $73,750–$196,600 · 110 jobs in metro
Optometrists in Birmingham, AL earn $162,890 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $196,600. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $180,188 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $153,930 · 10th–90th $99,530–$292,490 · 2,700 jobs in metro
Financial Managers in Birmingham, AL earn $153,930 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $292,490. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $170,277 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $140,230 · 10th–90th $83,880–$217,290 · 2,230 jobs in metro
Computer and Information Systems Managers in Birmingham, AL earn $140,230 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $217,290. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $155,122 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $138,800 · 10th–90th $107,330–$161,190 · 1,550 jobs in metro
Pharmacists in Birmingham, AL earn $138,800 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $161,190. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $153,540 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $131,140 · 10th–90th $74,810–$168,740 · 880 jobs in metro
Computer Network Architects in Birmingham, AL earn $131,140 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $168,740. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $145,066 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $130,160 · 10th–90th $76,750–$227,330 · 660 jobs in metro
Marketing Managers in Birmingham, AL earn $130,160 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $227,330. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $143,982 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $127,080 · 10th–90th $77,180–$215,000 · 620 jobs in metro
Human Resources Managers in Birmingham, AL earn $127,080 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $215,000. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $140,575 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Median $125,940 · 10th–90th $63,480–$214,320 · 190 jobs in metro
Business Professor (Postsecondary)s in Birmingham, AL earn $125,940 median, with top earners (90th percentile) over $214,320. The lower cost of living here means the median translates to $139,314 of buying power versus an average-cost metro — better than the nominal number suggests.
Full Ranking (60 Occupations)
| Rank | Role | Category | Median | 10th–90th | COL-Adjusted | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pediatrician | Healthcare | $189,650 | $177,950–$258,580 | $209,790 | 80 |
| 2 | Lawyer | Legal | $170,230 | $65,650–$272,900 | $188,308 | 2,800 |
| 3 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $162,890 | $73,750–$196,600 | $180,188 | 110 |
| 4 | Financial Manager | Finance | $153,930 | $99,530–$292,490 | $170,277 | 2,700 |
| 5 | Computer and Information Systems Manager | Technology | $140,230 | $83,880–$217,290 | $155,122 | 2,230 |
| 6 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $138,800 | $107,330–$161,190 | $153,540 | 1,550 |
| 7 | Computer Network Architect | Technology | $131,140 | $74,810–$168,740 | $145,066 | 880 |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | Management | $130,160 | $76,750–$227,330 | $143,982 | 660 |
| 9 | Human Resources Manager | Management | $127,080 | $77,180–$215,000 | $140,575 | 620 |
| 10 | Business Professor (Postsecondary) | Education | $125,940 | $63,480–$214,320 | $139,314 | 190 |
| 11 | Software Developer | Technology | $125,410 | $74,110–$175,330 | $138,728 | 3,830 |
| 12 | General and Operations Manager | Management | $123,560 | $61,350–$278,780 | $136,681 | 7,950 |
| 13 | Family Medicine Physician | Healthcare | $119,990 | $119,990–$314,390 | $132,732 | 140 |
| 14 | Sales Manager | Management | $119,740 | $59,400–$212,420 | $132,456 | 1,560 |
| 15 | Information Security Analyst | Technology | $115,520 | $68,310–$164,520 | $127,788 | 670 |
| 16 | Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $112,960 | $64,630–$166,820 | $124,956 | 900 |
| 17 | Management Analyst | Management | $108,220 | $64,270–$203,800 | $119,712 | 1,290 |
| 18 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $107,700 | $89,240–$137,560 | $119,137 | 1,350 |
| 19 | Veterinarian | Healthcare | $106,890 | $77,990–$176,330 | $118,241 | 310 |
| 20 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $105,440 | $59,500–$163,630 | $116,637 | 280 |
| 21 | Computer Programmer | Technology | $103,750 | $64,670–$136,440 | $114,768 | 120 |
| 22 | Database Architect | Technology | $101,850 | $61,220–$136,770 | $112,666 | 540 |
| 23 | Medical and Health Services Manager | Healthcare | $100,500 | $67,060–$172,440 | $111,173 | 3,430 |
| 24 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $100,480 | $73,680–$135,700 | $111,150 | 940 |
| 25 | Computer Systems Analyst | Technology | $99,470 | $64,930–$137,180 | $110,033 | 1,870 |
| 26 | Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $98,810 | $61,470–$157,890 | $109,303 | 780 |
| 27 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $97,750 | $77,750–$134,300 | $108,131 | 1,030 |
| 28 | Civil Engineer | Engineering | $97,420 | $67,340–$168,370 | $107,765 | 1,070 |
| 29 | Architect | Engineering | $96,730 | $63,720–$210,290 | $107,002 | 500 |
| 30 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $95,250 | $76,770–$127,050 | $105,365 | 540 |
| 31 | Computer Occupations (Other) | Technology | $94,330 | $58,560–$146,350 | $104,347 | 400 |
| 32 | Data Scientist | Technology | $94,240 | $58,690–$154,660 | $104,248 | 490 |
| 33 | Financial Analyst | Finance | $91,290 | $62,470–$162,820 | $100,985 | 1,100 |
| 34 | Operations Research Analyst | Technology | $89,940 | $59,750–$138,960 | $99,491 | 100 |
| 35 | Audiologist | Healthcare | $86,300 | $67,280–$102,650 | $95,465 | 0 |
| 36 | Network Architect | Technology | $84,350 | $52,140–$138,700 | $93,308 | 1,290 |
| 37 | Software Quality Assurance Tester | Technology | $82,060 | $54,080–$131,030 | $90,774 | 360 |
| 38 | Statistician | Technology | $80,240 | $53,330–$100,550 | $88,761 | 90 |
| 39 | Personal Financial Advisor | Finance | $79,480 | $38,660–$338,040 | $87,920 | 1,190 |
| 40 | Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $78,680 | $62,230–$102,960 | $87,035 | 17,850 |
| 41 | Accountant | Finance | $78,660 | $52,140–$128,530 | $87,013 | 7,790 |
| 42 | Speech-Language Pathologist | Healthcare | $75,750 | $61,190–$115,700 | $83,794 | 600 |
| 43 | Loan Officer | Finance | $66,740 | $44,930–$158,790 | $73,827 | 1,730 |
| 44 | Web Designer | Technology | $66,640 | $34,970–$106,270 | $73,717 | 200 |
| 45 | Public Relations Specialist | Creative | $64,880 | $42,420–$125,000 | $71,770 | 710 |
| 46 | Writer/Author | Creative | $64,460 | $41,710–$104,000 | $71,305 | 70 |
| 47 | Secondary School Teacher | Education | $62,650 | $48,860–$75,990 | $69,303 | 2,850 |
| 48 | Elementary School Teacher | Education | $62,630 | $48,690–$75,040 | $69,281 | 5,340 |
| 49 | Market Research Analyst | Management | $62,190 | $39,820–$120,250 | $68,794 | 2,660 |
| 50 | Computer Network Support Specialist | Technology | $62,000 | $40,050–$101,360 | $68,584 | 220 |
| 51 | Dental Hygienist | Healthcare | $61,730 | $56,990–$74,070 | $68,285 | 1,150 |
| 52 | Web Developer | Technology | $60,130 | $48,730–$135,500 | $66,515 | 40 |
| 53 | Plumber | Trades | $60,090 | $38,620–$76,290 | $66,471 | 1,840 |
| 54 | Electrician | Trades | $56,630 | $38,880–$78,550 | $62,644 | 2,780 |
| 55 | Paralegal | Legal | $53,160 | $34,130–$81,560 | $58,805 | 2,420 |
| 56 | Graphic Designer | Creative | $52,480 | $35,000–$93,510 | $58,053 | 530 |
| 57 | Clinical Laboratory Technologist | Healthcare | $51,430 | $36,550–$82,200 | $56,892 | 2,790 |
| 58 | Carpenter | Trades | $50,400 | $37,480–$63,380 | $55,752 | 1,660 |
| 59 | Welder | Trades | $49,930 | $38,010–$71,640 | $55,232 | 2,160 |
| 60 | Automotive Technician | Trades | $47,830 | $33,630–$88,150 | $52,909 | 2,220 |
Why These Roles Pay the Most in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL's pay distribution reflects its mix of regional employers and industries, plus the local cost of living that affects nominal salary levels in the BLS data.
An average median salary above $90K places this metro in the top tier of U.S. cities for nominal pay. Most of that premium accrues to the upper percentiles of skilled and managerial occupations; entry-level and service-sector pay is closer to national norms.
Birmingham, AL's cost-of-living index of 90.4 runs 10% below the U.S. national average. Lower nominal pay here often translates to comparable or better purchasing power than higher headline numbers in coastal hubs — see the COL-Adjusted column for the apples-to-apples figure.
How to Use This Ranking
For salary negotiation, the median is a starting anchor — not the ceiling. A Pediatrician with five-plus years of experience in Birmingham, AL should be benchmarking against the 75th percentile ($224,115) or 90th percentile ($258,580), not the $189,650 median. Use the salary percentile calculator to place any specific salary into the BLS distribution for any role-and-city pair.
For cross-city comparisons, ignore the nominal Median column and look at COL-Adjusted. A $190K Pediatrician salary in Birmingham, AL (COL 90.4) translates to $210K of buying power in an average-cost metro — that is the apples-to-apples figure when weighing a relocation. Read the methodology behind these adjustments in our methodology page.
For job hunting, focus on the top-10 ranking above and on the role-by-role detail pages — each links through to a Pediatrician in Birmingham, AL page with full percentile breakdowns, year-over-year change, and prevailing-wage references for H-1B / PERM applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying job in Birmingham, AL is Pediatrician with a median salary of $189,650 and a 90th-percentile reading of $258,580. The role employs roughly 80 workers in this metro according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2025 OEWS data.
24 of the 60 BLS-tracked occupations in Birmingham, AL have a median salary of $100,000 or higher. That is well above what most U.S. metros offer. See the full list ranked by median salary above.
Across 60 BLS-tracked occupations, the average median salary in Birmingham, AL is $94,647. The cost-of-living index is 90.4, so adjusted to a national-average baseline, the average is $104,698 in equivalent purchasing power.
Birmingham, AL has a cost-of-living index of 90.4, below the national average. Nominal pay translates better than face value, making it a strong choice for many careers — particularly the Pediatrician, Lawyer, Optometrist occupations at the top of the ranking.
Every wage figure on this page is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program at bls.gov/oes — public domain federal survey data covering about 1.2 million U.S. employers across all industries. The OEWS publishes 10th, 25th, 50th (median), 75th, and 90th percentile wages by Metropolitan Statistical Area and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. The same data is used by the Department of Labor for prevailing wage determinations.
Related Pages
Rankings based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025 reference period. COL adjustments use a composite cost-of-living index calibrated to U.S. average = 100.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2026.