Physicist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama
The median physicist salary in Birmingham, AL is $137,187 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.
Physicist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)
Birmingham offers a median physicist salary of $137,187, which is $4,573 above the Alabama state average of $132,614. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Birmingham spans from $70,200 at the 10th percentile to $214,200 at the 90th percentile — a $144,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,800, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $198,000. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Physicist Salary in Birmingham by Experience
In Birmingham, an entry-level physicist earns around $73,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL
| Percentile | Birmingham |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,200 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,200 |
| Median (50th) | $137,187 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,500 |
| 90th Percentile | $214,200 |
Physicist Salary in Other Alabama Cities
How to Become a Physicist in Birmingham
Education
Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Birmingham
Browse open physicist positions in Birmingham, AL: