Technology Alabama (AL) Rank #46 of 50

Data Scientist Salary in Alabama

The median data scientist salary in Alabama is $88,576 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $108,020.

Median Salary
$88,576
vs National
$-19,444
State Rank
#46 of 50
Cost of Living
87%

Data Scientist Salary Overview in Alabama (2026)

Alabama ranks #46 out of 50 states for data scientist compensation. Data Scientist salaries in Alabama are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $88,576 per year, data scientists in Alabama earn $19,444 less than the national median of $108,020.

A key advantage of working in Alabama is its below-average cost of living (87% of the national index). This means the $88,576 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $101,811 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Alabama is significant: data scientists at the 10th percentile earn $50,348, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $146,124 — a $95,776 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 $93,977.

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Alabama and beyond.

Data Scientist Salary in Alabama by Experience

In Alabama, an entry-level data scientist earns around $59,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,300 per year. The cost of living index in Alabama is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,040
$-12,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,840
$-20,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,300
$-29,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alabama

Percentile AL Salary
10th Percentile $50,348
25th Percentile $69,044
Median (50th) $88,576
75th Percentile $115,620
90th Percentile $146,124

Data Scientist Salary by City in Alabama

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

How to Become a Data Scientist in Alabama

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonRSQLMachine LearningStatisticsData Visualization

Job Outlook in Alabama

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Alabama's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist Salary in Alabama

How much does a Data Scientist make in Alabama? ▼
The median data scientist salary in Alabama is $88,576 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $108,020. Salaries range from $50,348 (10th percentile) to $146,124 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Scientist make per hour in Alabama? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,576, a data scientist in Alabama earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alabama a good state for data scientists? ▼
Alabama ranks #46 out of 50 states for data scientist pay. The cost of living index is 87% of the national average. Entry-level data scientists earn $59,040, while senior professionals earn $135,300.
How does Alabama compare to other states for data scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data scientists is Hawaii at $178,233. Alabama's median of $88,576 ranks #46 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Kentucky ($89,657) and South Dakota ($89,657).
What is the entry-level data scientist salary in Alabama? ▼
An entry-level data scientist in Alabama earns approximately $59,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $135,300.
What city in Alabama pays data scientists the most? ▼
Huntsville is the highest paying city in Alabama for data scientists, with a median salary of $93,977. Other cities include Birmingham and Montgomery.