In the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $66,760. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and industry concentration specific to this locale. The lower average salary is often a consequence of the unique economic landscape and demand drivers present in nonmetropolitan regions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,190.
- Outlook: The job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area appears to be moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 420 individuals in these roles. The Location Quotient of 0.69 suggests that these professions are less prevalent here compared to the national average, indicating a niche but potentially stable demand within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area earns-27.3%below the national average.
$32.1
$1,284
$5,563
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 have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased demand for scientific expertise. This growth, though potentially modest in a nonmetropolitan setting, suggests a positive trajectory for compensation in these fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior roles command higher salaries, reflecting accumulated knowledge and specialized skills. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential within this sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $37,970 | $18.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $50,070 | $24.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,430 | $30.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $83,450 | $40.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $99,190 | $47.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $66,760 in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, making the region's cost of living a neutral factor in assessing the value of this income.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
6.466
Per 1K Jobs
0.69
Location Quotient
Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area has 0.69x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.69, the job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities may be fewer or more specialized compared to major metropolitan hubs, the demand is present, and professionals in this field might find less direct competition for available roles.
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↑ 7% | 44 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $74,970↑ 12% | 50 mi |
| Tuscaloosa, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $77,070↑ 15% | 52 mi |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,260↑ 7% | 77 mi |
| Anniston-Oxford, AL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $75,020↑ 12% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is $66,760. This typically ranges from $37,970 for entry-level positions to $99,190 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 27.3% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, it is not considered lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $66,760 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Montgomery, AL ($71,340) and Birmingham, AL.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for these science roles?
The local job market has a lower concentration of these roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.69, suggesting fewer opportunities relative to the national average.
What is the total number of Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in this region?
There are approximately 420 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
Does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary in Southwest Alabama?
No, the cost of living in Southwest Alabama is at the national average (100), meaning the $66,760 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.69 signify for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.69, indicates that these science occupations are less common in this region than the national average, potentially meaning fewer job openings but also less competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.466 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 Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area