Creative & Education Alabama (AL) Rank #44 of 50

Archivist Salary in Alabama

The median archivist salary in Alabama is $51,017 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$51,017
vs National
$-7,623
State Rank
#44 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Archivist Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Archivist salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,017 per year, archivists in Alabama earn $7,623 less than the national median of $58,640.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $51,017 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $58,640 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $31,320, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $81,780 — a $50,460 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 $53,949.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level archivist earns around $33,060, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,560 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,060
$-4,940 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,560
$-11,440 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $31,320
25th Percentile $40,020
Median (50th) $51,017
75th Percentile $66,120
90th Percentile $81,780

Archivist Salary by City in Alabama

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

How to Become a Archivist in Alabama

Education

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

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Archivist Salary in Alabama

How much does a Archivist make in Alabama? ▼
The median archivist salary in Alabama is $51,017 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $31,320 (10th percentile) to $81,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,017, a archivist in Alabama earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for archivists? ▼
Alabama ranks #44 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $33,060, while senior professionals earn $76,560.
How does Alabama compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. Alabama's median of $51,017 ranks #44 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Missouri ($51,603) and South Dakota ($51,603).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level archivist in Alabama earns approximately $33,060 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,560.
What city in Alabama pays archivists the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for archivists, with a median salary of $53,949. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.