Alabama (AL) CoL Index: 98.3 (1.7% below US avg) Tax: Graduated Brackets (Top 5.00%) Min Wage: $7.25/hr ● 2026 Statutory Benchmarks

Alabama Compensation Benchmarks

Data updated · Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025, HUD FY 2027 Fair Market Rents, EPI 2026 Family Budget, 2026 tax tables · Methodology

Alabama benchmarks 18 metropolitan economies against BLS OEWS wage percentiles, with an average cost-of-living index of 98.3 (1.7% below the national average), average HUD 1-bedroom rent of $920, and a single-adult living wage of $21.74/hour. State income tax follows Graduated Brackets with a top rate of 5.00%.

Metro Median Wage (BLS)
$45,967 / yr
$22.10 / hour
State Income Tax
5.00% Top Rate
Graduated Brackets
Living & Minimum Wage
$21.74 / hr
Statutory Min: $7.25/hr
Avg HUD Fair Rent (1BR)
$920 / mo
$1,106 / mo (2BR Avg)

State Income Tax Policy & Labor Regulations

3 Brackets

Standard Deduction (Single): $3,000
Statutory Minimum Wage: $7.25 / hr
Tipped Minimum Wage: $2.13 / hr
Statewide Take-Home Factor

Workers in Alabama retain higher purchasing power due to favorable cost of living and statutory exemption thresholds.

Cost of Living Index
98.3 vs 100 US Baseline

Major In-State Metropolitan Labor Markets

Compare BLS median wages, local municipal income taxes, and HUD rent benchmarks across cities.

18 Metros

Sector & Industry Compensation Highlights

Statewide median earnings and top-paying occupations across major career domains.

Comparative Occupation Salary Matrix

Statewide median wages, hourly equivalents, national premium deltas, and real purchasing power.

Occupation Title & Category State Median Salary Hourly Rate vs National Avg CoL Adjusted Real Wage Top In-State Metro Explore

Adjacent & Peer State Comparisons

Benchmark regional tax structures, minimum wages, and median earnings in neighboring states.

State Labor Economics & Frequently Asked Questions

Tax & Net Pay

Alabama Paycheck Calculator

Calculate exact take-home pay with Alabama withholdings.

Paycheck
Housing & Living Costs

Alabama Cost of Living Index

HUD Fair Market Rents & metropolitan living costs in Alabama.

Living Cost
Alabama Compensation Benchmarks Overview

Alabama salary directory: 2026 BLS OEWS median wages and employment by occupation, plus metro areas, HUD rents and living costs across the state. Official 2026 economic data for Alabama compiled from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS surveys, HUD Fair Market Rents, and statutory tax codes.