Birmingham vs Mobile: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Birmingham, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,858 | $83,711▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.84 | $40.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,534▲ | $64,924 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,988 | $71,411▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,682 | $90,040▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,427▲ | $104,162 |
| Total Employed | 17,850▲ | 5,260 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Mobile are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Mobile is $853 (1.03%). Mobile's median is -18.51% 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,Mobile spans $39,238. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mobile ($95,020 effective) pays 5.10% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,427)
- ✓Larger job market (17,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,711/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,020)
- ✓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 37.5% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$61,220 (2019) → $78,680 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$57,810 (2019) → $79,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Birmingham or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Mobile as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Birmingham vs Mobile?
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