Creative & Education Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

College Professor Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median college professor salary in Birmingham, AL is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$75,492
vs State Avg
+$2,516
vs National
$-8,388
Cost of Living
90%

College Professor Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median college professor salary of $75,492, which is $2,516 above the Alabama state average of $72,976. Compared to the national median of $83,880, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for college professors in Birmingham spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $151,200 at the 90th percentile — a $110,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,000. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level college professor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $40,500
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $75,492
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $151,200

College Professor Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$77,170
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$73,814
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$72,137
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$71,298
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a College Professor in Birmingham

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open college professor positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Birmingham

How much does a College Professor make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median college professor salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $151,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,492, a college professor in Birmingham earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for college professor pay? ▼
Birmingham's median college professor salary of $75,492 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $72,976. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a college professor salary of $75,492 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Birmingham? ▼
Most college professor positions in Birmingham require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.