Business & Finance Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Accountant Salary in Alabama

The median accountant salary in Alabama is $69,496 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$69,496
vs National
$-10,384
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Accountant Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Accountant salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $69,496 per year, accountants in Alabama earn $10,384 less than the national median of $79,880.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $69,496 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,880 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $43,848, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $115,536 — a $71,688 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alabama for this role is Huntsville, where the median reaches $73,490.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level accountant earns around $45,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $104,400 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,240
$-6,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,600
$-10,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$104,400
$-15,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $43,848
25th Percentile $54,549
Median (50th) $69,496
75th Percentile $89,088
90th Percentile $115,536

Accountant Salary by City in Alabama

The largest employment areas for accountants in Alabama include Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, and Mobile. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Alabama

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Alabama has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Alabama

How much does a Accountant make in Alabama? ▼
The median accountant salary in Alabama is $69,496 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $43,848 (10th percentile) to $115,536 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,496, a accountant in Alabama earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for accountants? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $45,240, while senior professionals earn $104,400.
How does Alabama compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Alabama's median of $69,496 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($70,294) and South Dakota ($70,294).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Alabama earns approximately $45,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $69,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $104,400.
What city in Alabama pays accountants the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for accountants, with a median salary of $73,490. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.