Average Registered Nurses Salary in Decatur, AL
Registered Nurses in Decatur, AL, earn an average annual salary of $69,030. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $97,850, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local healthcare sector. While the nominal salary may seem lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,230.
- Outlook: Decatur, AL, supports a local workforce of 760 Registered Nurses. With a Location Quotient of 0.61, the concentration of RNs in Decatur is below the national average, suggesting a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of nearly 13 RN jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these healthcare professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Registered Nurses in Decatur, AL earns-29.5%below the national average.
$33.2
$1,328
$5,753
Registered Nurses Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur's RN salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare demands, and evolving nurse-patient ratios typically contribute to gradual salary growth in the nursing profession across most U.S. markets.
Registered Nurses Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Salary progression for Registered Nurses in Decatur, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned nurses with advanced certifications or in specialized fields like critical care or pediatrics can expect significantly higher earnings. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries represents a clear career ladder and opportunities for professional growth within the local healthcare system.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $50,120 | $24.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $51,773 | $24.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $67,010 | $32.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $86,288 | $41.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $85,230 | $41 |
Detailed Registered Nurses Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $69,030 in Decatur, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Registered Nurse's salary in Decatur is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
760
Total Jobs
12.894
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.61x the national average concentration of Registered Nurses jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.61 indicates that Registered Nurses are less concentrated in Decatur, AL, compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a dominant industry in terms of workforce concentration. This could imply a moderately competitive job market where demand is steady but perhaps not as intense as in areas with a higher LQ.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Registered Nurses
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL Registered Nurses Salary | $73,270↑ 6% | 22 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Registered Nurses Salary | $68,850↓ 0% | 42 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Registered Nurses Salary | $69,620↑ 1% | 68 mi |
| Birmingham, AL Registered Nurses Salary | $78,180↑ 13% | 73 mi |
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Registered Nurses Salary | $72,090↑ 4% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
Hiring Registered Nursess?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Registered Nurses make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurses in Decatur, AL is $69,030. This typically ranges from $50,120 for entry-level positions to $85,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 29.5% lower than the national median of $97,850.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Registered Nurses?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average RN salary in Decatur ($69,030) is significantly lower than the national average ($97,850), indicating less lucrative earning potential.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Registered Nurses?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($73,270) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's RN salary compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Decatur, AL, earn an average of $69,030 annually, which is considerably less than the national average of $97,850.
What is the cost of living in Decatur, AL for RNs?
The cost of living in Decatur, AL, is exactly at the national average (Index of 100), meaning your salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national standard.
How concentrated is the RN workforce in Decatur?
The concentration of Registered Nurses in Decatur, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.61, is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to national benchmarks.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers mean for RNs in Decatur?
With 12.894 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a consistent demand for Registered Nurses in Decatur, AL, reflecting the ongoing need for healthcare services within the community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 760 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 12.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Registered Nurses Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Decatur, AL
- All Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Production Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Management Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Decatur, AL
- Browse All Jobs in Decatur, AL →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Registered Nurses • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Decatur, AL