Birmingham vs Madison: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Birmingham, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,858▲ | $79,523 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.84▲ | $38.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,534▲ | $57,741 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,988▲ | $66,046 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,682 | $91,767▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,427 | $111,779▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,850▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Madison is $3,335 (4.19%). Birmingham's median is -19.34% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $42,893,Madison spans $54,038. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($90,470 effective) pays 0.06% more than Birmingham ($90,413 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,858/year)
- ✓Larger job market (17,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,779)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,470)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Birmingham grew 28.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.5% growth in Madison over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$61,220 (2019) → $78,680 (2025)
Madison, AL
$56,563 (2024) → $75,513 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Birmingham or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Madison?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Madison as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Birmingham vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov