Huntsville vs Montgomery: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Huntsville, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,183 | $83,795▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.03 | $40.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,508 | $58,110▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,050 | $70,389▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,597 | $106,511▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,478 | $128,320▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,800▲ | 3,990 |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntsville.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Montgomery is $2,612 (3.22%). Montgomery's median is -18.43% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $48,970,Montgomery spans $70,210. Montgomery 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, Montgomery ($93,436 effective) pays 7.12% more than Huntsville ($87,226 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,795/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,320)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,436)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Huntsville grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.0% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$57,100 (2019) → $77,090 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$62,630 (2019) → $79,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Huntsville or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Montgomery as a registered nurse?
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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