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Economist Salary in Birmingham, AL

How much does a economist make in Birmingham? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living.

Median Salary
$70,136
per year in Birmingham
Entry Level
$41,562
Starting salary
Senior Level
$96,113
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
93
7% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how economist salaries break down across different pay periods in Birmingham.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$41,562$70,136$96,113
Monthly$3,464$5,845$8,009
Biweekly$1,599$2,698$3,697
Weekly$799$1,349$1,848
Hourly$20$34$46

Birmingham vs National Average

How Birmingham's economist salaries compare to national figures.

Birmingham Salary
$70,136
COL Index: 93
National Average
$91,970
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,834
Lower in Birmingham

Cost of Living in Birmingham

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,150
per month
Median Income
$49,234
per year
Population
214,237
residents
Rent % of Income
28.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 93 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Birmingham have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Economist

Overview

Research economic data and trends to inform policy and business decisions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Economics; Master's or PhD common for research roles

Key Skills

Economic AnalysisData InterpretationResearchPolicy Analysis

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Economist Salary

See Economist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$168,850
+141%
Los Angeles, CA
$118,190
+69%
Chicago, IL
$123,140
+76%
Houston, TX
$131,160
+87%
Phoenix, AZ
$104,010
+48%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Economist Salary in Birmingham, AL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a economist in Birmingham, AL is $70,136 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Birmingham's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level economist professionals in Birmingham can expect to earn around $41,562 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level economists earning approximately $96,113 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Birmingham's cost of living index of 93 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Birmingham are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $91,970, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a economist's salary in Birmingham typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,150 per month, housing represents about 19.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Economists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Birmingham, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.