Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Alabama
In Alabama, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $77,430. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's scientific sectors. The prevailing wage is influenced by the concentration of these roles and the overall economic landscape of Alabama.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $77,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,440.
- Outlook: Alabama's market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 12,740 individuals in these fields. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that these roles are less prevalent in Alabama compared to the national average. While the absolute number of workers indicates a presence, the lower concentration implies a potentially less robust or specialized demand within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Alabama earns-15.7%below the national average.
$37.2
$1,489
$6,453
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Alabama have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing compensation in scientific and technical fields. This growth is typically driven by advancements in research, increased investment in innovation, and a rising demand for specialized expertise.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Alabama
Within Alabama's Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, salary progression is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior scientists and researchers with extensive experience and advanced degrees can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in earnings highlight the substantial career advancement opportunities available, rewarding expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $41,450 | $19.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $58,073 | $27.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $68,810 | $33.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $96,788 | $46.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,440 | $60.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$77,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,889
Adjusted for COL (88.1)
The average annual salary of $77,430 in Alabama for these science occupations presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1, which is 11.9% lower than the national average, residents can enjoy greater purchasing power. This means that the nominal salary earned can translate into a higher real income and improved quality of life compared to living in areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
12,740
Total Jobs
6.09
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Alabama has 0.65x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Alabama's Location Quotient of 0.65 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations indicates that these roles are less concentrated in the state than the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less saturated, potentially offering unique opportunities for skilled professionals. However, it also implies that the overall demand might be more niche or specialized, requiring professionals to target specific industries or research institutions within Alabama.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,340↓ 8% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,970↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,070↓ 0% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,260↓ 8% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,020↓ 3% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Alabama
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Alabama?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Alabama is $77,430. This typically ranges from $41,450 for entry-level positions to $125,440 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alabama is 15.7% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Alabama a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $77,430 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $91,840. However, the lower cost of living in Alabama does offer some compensation for this difference.
Is Alabama a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 88.1 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alabama?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($71,340) and Birmingham, AL.
How does Alabama's average science salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Alabama is $77,430, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of science jobs in Alabama?
Alabama has a Location Quotient of 0.65 for these occupations, indicating they are less concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Alabama science salary?
Alabama's Cost of Living Index is 88.1, meaning it is cheaper than the national average. This makes the $77,430 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total workforce size for these science roles in Alabama?
There are approximately 12,740 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Alabama.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 12,740 employees in the Alabama area with a job density of 6.09 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alabama