Registered Nurse Salary in Alabama
Based on 54K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$77,080
$37.06/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
-18.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $99K
54K employed in Alabama
Registered Nurse salary in Alabama reflects a median annual income of $71,040, which is notably 21% below the national average. Despite this lower pay tier, Alabama employs approximately 53,340 registered nurses across healthcare facilities throughout the state. The salary range spans from $53,360 to $98,840 annually, demonstrating considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Alabama, including years of experience, specialized certifications, and the type of healthcare facility. Urban hospitals and specialized medical centers typically offer higher wages than rural clinics or nursing homes. Educational background, shift differentials, and whether nurses work in intensive care units or general departments also play significant roles in determining individual earnings within the state.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,150 |
| 25th percentile | $63,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $77,080 |
| 75th percentile | $83,380 |
| 90th percentile | $98,910 |
Top H-1B Employers for Registered Nurse in Alabama
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Alabama — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Children's Hospital of Alabama | 5 | $63,440 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Registered Nurse H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Alabama
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Alabama.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $64,168 | 6 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,090 |
| 2023 | $65,900 |
| 2024 | $71,040 |
| 2025 | $77,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,705 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,090 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $65,900 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $71,040 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $77,080 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $81,705 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $63,500 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $77,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,380 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,910 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Registered Nurse ($77,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in AL | $519,480 | +573.9% | $249.75/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in AL | $392,350 | +409.0% | $188.63/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AL | $311,180 | +303.7% | $149.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AL | $210,380 | +172.9% | $101.14/hr |
| Pediatrician in AL | $209,490 | +171.8% | $100.72/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AL | $190,300 | +146.9% | $91.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in AL | $161,820 | +109.9% | $77.80/hr |
| Optometrist in AL | $145,090 | +88.2% | $69.75/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +74.7% | $64.73/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +74.6% | $64.69/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AL | $105,750 | +37.2% | $50.84/hr |
| Veterinarian in AL | $105,630 | +37.0% | $50.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Alabama?
- Registered nurses in Alabama earn a median salary of $71,040 per year, or $34 per hour. This is approximately 21.5% below the national average for registered nurses.
What is the salary range for nurses working in Alabama?
- The salary range for registered nurses in Alabama spans from $53,360 at the lower end to $98,840 at the upper end, reflecting differences based on experience, specialization, and employer.
How many registered nurses are employed in Alabama?
- There are currently 53,340 registered nurses employed throughout Alabama, making it a significant portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is nursing salary in Alabama lower than the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's registered nurse median salary of $71,040 annually is 21.5% lower than the national average, making it one of the lower-paying states for this profession.