Average Software Developers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Software Developers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $114,740. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Birmingham tech landscape. While lower than the national benchmark, this salary is influenced by the local cost of living and the concentration of tech opportunities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $114,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,640.
- Outlook: Birmingham's tech sector supports a local workforce of 3,800 Software Developers. The location quotient of 0.68 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but perhaps more specialized job market. With 7.33 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Birmingham, AL earns-21.0%below the national average.
$55.2
$2,207
$9,562
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in Birmingham, much like national trends, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This growth is driven by the increasing digitization across all industries and the ongoing demand for advanced technological solutions, which generally pushes compensation upwards.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Software Developers in Birmingham, AL, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while senior developers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well into the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth potential and increased earning power within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $66,150 | $31.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $86,055 | $41.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $106,890 | $51.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $143,425 | $69 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,640 | $79.2 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$114,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$114,740
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $114,740 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Software Developer's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, making the nominal salary quite competitive in terms of real value and quality of life.
Job Market Context
3,800
Total Jobs
7.33
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.68x the national average concentration of Software Developers 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 0.68 indicates that Software Developer roles are less concentrated in Birmingham compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not as saturated as in major tech hubs, the demand is steady, potentially offering a good balance for developers seeking opportunities without extreme competition. The market is moderately competitive, with a stable presence of available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Software Developers Salary | $106,710↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $122,130↑ 6% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $114,020↓ 1% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $109,730↓ 4% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Birmingham, AL is $114,740. This typically ranges from $66,150 for entry-level positions to $164,640 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 21.0% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, it offers good value due to cost of living.While the average salary of $114,740 is below the national average, Birmingham's cost of living index of 100 means your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. This makes it a financially stable location for software developers.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($106,710) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Developers in Birmingham, AL is $114,740, which is lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the concentration of Software Developers in Birmingham?
Birmingham has a location quotient of 0.68 for Software Developers, indicating a lower concentration compared to the national average.
How many Software Developer jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Birmingham?
There are approximately 7.33 Software Developer jobs per 1,000 workers in Birmingham, AL.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL for Software Developers?
The cost of living in Birmingham, AL is at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning the $114,740 salary offers average purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,800 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 7.33 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL