Cost of living

Cost of living in Alabama: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in Alabama is about $967/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 297 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Family Physician$14,116/mo7%
Nurse Anesthetist$11,686/mo8%
Chief Executive$10,746/mo9%
Dentist$10,485/mo9%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$10,299/mo9%
Financial Manager$8,715/mo11%
Computer Hardware Engineer$8,640/mo11%
IT Manager$8,635/mo11%
Pharmacist$8,572/mo11%
Network Architect$8,189/mo12%
Purchasing Manager$8,068/mo12%
Lawyer$7,858/mo12%
Optometrist$7,664/mo13%
Sales Manager$7,654/mo13%
Industrial Production Manager$7,376/mo13%
Marketing Manager$7,375/mo13%
Natural Sciences Manager$7,312/mo13%
Administrative Services Manager$7,214/mo13%
Facilities Manager$7,125/mo14%
Operations Research Analyst$6,986/mo14%
Human Resources Manager$6,923/mo14%
Electrical Engineer$6,863/mo14%
Information Security Analyst$6,855/mo14%
Nurse Practitioner$6,749/mo14%
Operations Manager$6,716/mo14%
Software Developer$6,677/mo14%
Systems Analyst$6,666/mo15%
Actuary$6,631/mo15%
Project Management Specialist$6,606/mo15%
Veterinarian$6,561/mo15%
Computer Programmer$6,560/mo15%
Data Scientist$6,536/mo15%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,466/mo15%
Management Consultant$6,429/mo15%
Industrial Engineer$6,328/mo15%
Physician Assistant$6,328/mo15%
Mechanical Engineer$6,308/mo15%
Physical Therapist$6,286/mo15%
Occupational Therapist$6,197/mo16%
Construction Manager$6,187/mo16%
Psychologist$6,158/mo16%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$6,144/mo16%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$6,077/mo16%
Civil Engineer$5,959/mo16%
Public Relations Manager$5,954/mo16%
Logistician$5,945/mo16%
Healthcare Manager$5,628/mo17%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$5,552/mo17%
Chemist$5,535/mo17%
Database Administrator$5,530/mo17%
Financial Analyst$5,524/mo18%
Credit Analyst$5,386/mo18%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$5,384/mo18%
Network Administrator$5,348/mo18%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$5,238/mo18%
Financial Examiner$5,146/mo19%
Claims Adjuster$5,058/mo19%
Police and Detective$4,847/mo20%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$4,752/mo20%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$4,642/mo21%
Speech Pathologist$4,615/mo21%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$4,566/mo21%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$4,529/mo21%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$4,522/mo21%
Instructional Coordinator$4,397/mo22%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$4,310/mo22%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,304/mo22%
Accountant$4,285/mo23%
Registered Nurse$4,284/mo23%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$4,261/mo23%
Computer Network Support Specialist$4,246/mo23%
Compliance Officer$4,245/mo23%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$4,225/mo23%
Production and Operating Worker$4,208/mo23%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$4,207/mo23%
Medical Scientist$4,181/mo23%
Sonographer$4,151/mo23%
Sales Representative$4,149/mo23%
Construction Supervisor$4,102/mo24%
Web Developer$4,096/mo24%
Librarian$4,072/mo24%
Writer$4,057/mo24%
Insurance Underwriter$4,046/mo24%
Loan Officer$4,039/mo24%
Dietitian$4,032/mo24%
Social and Community Service Manager$4,029/mo24%
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tender$4,022/mo24%
Food Service Manager$4,012/mo24%
Cost Estimator$4,003/mo24%
Training and Development Specialist$3,997/mo24%
Respiratory Therapist$3,987/mo24%
School Counselor$3,975/mo24%
High School Teacher$3,957/mo24%
Insurance Agent$3,951/mo24%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$3,947/mo24%
Physical Therapist Assistant$3,932/mo25%
Elementary School Teacher$3,920/mo25%
HR Specialist$3,908/mo25%
Editor$3,891/mo25%
Special Ed Teacher$3,889/mo25%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$3,867/mo25%
Chiropractor$3,866/mo25%
Postal Service Clerk$3,806/mo25%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$3,803/mo25%
Chef$3,786/mo26%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$3,758/mo26%
Market Research Analyst$3,752/mo26%
Public Relations Specialist$3,736/mo26%
Dental Hygienist$3,731/mo26%
Construction and Building Inspector$3,728/mo26%
Interior Designer$3,713/mo26%
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,685/mo26%
Healthcare Social Worker$3,630/mo27%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$3,561/mo27%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,528/mo27%
Producers and Director$3,520/mo27%
Fundraiser$3,505/mo28%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$3,504/mo28%
Real Estate Agent$3,504/mo28%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,474/mo28%
Radiologic Technologist$3,470/mo28%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$3,459/mo28%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,380/mo29%
Electrician$3,348/mo29%
Police Officer$3,317/mo29%
Medical Equipment Repairer$3,295/mo29%
Plumber$3,294/mo29%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$3,253/mo30%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,216/mo30%
Property Manager$3,213/mo30%
Machinist$3,205/mo30%
Truck Driver$3,191/mo30%
Diesel Mechanic$3,190/mo30%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$3,186/mo30%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$3,157/mo31%
Security Worker$3,154/mo31%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$3,144/mo31%
Licensed Practical Nurse$3,141/mo31%
Advertising Sales Agent$3,138/mo31%
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,134/mo31%
IT Support Specialist$3,133/mo31%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$3,131/mo31%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$3,106/mo31%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$3,078/mo31%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$3,068/mo32%
Rehabilitation Counselor$3,061/mo32%
HVAC Technician$3,058/mo32%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$3,038/mo32%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,028/mo32%
Welder$2,997/mo32%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$2,994/mo32%
Graphic Designer$2,991/mo32%
Social Worker$2,988/mo32%
Surgical Technologist$2,972/mo33%
Clergy$2,963/mo33%
Equipment Operator$2,952/mo33%
Auto Mechanic$2,950/mo33%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$2,943/mo33%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$2,931/mo33%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$2,918/mo33%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,902/mo33%
Paramedic$2,895/mo33%
Carpenter$2,891/mo33%
Roofer$2,883/mo34%
Audio and Video Technician$2,862/mo34%
Retail Supervisor$2,814/mo34%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$2,805/mo34%
Cargo and Freight Agent$2,801/mo35%
Painter$2,790/mo35%
Biological Technician$2,777/mo35%
Fitness Trainer$2,752/mo35%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,742/mo35%
Pest Control Worker$2,742/mo35%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$2,738/mo35%
Massage Therapist$2,725/mo35%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$2,698/mo36%
Firefighter$2,684/mo36%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$2,683/mo36%
Journalist$2,670/mo36%
Personal Service Worker$2,657/mo36%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$2,655/mo36%
Correctional Officer$2,649/mo37%
Sheet Metal Worker$2,632/mo37%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$2,606/mo37%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,578/mo38%
Medical Records Specialist$2,568/mo38%
Bookkeeper$2,564/mo38%
Order Clerk$2,534/mo38%
Admin Assistant$2,531/mo38%
Bill and Account Collector$2,515/mo38%
Maintenance Worker$2,478/mo39%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$2,471/mo39%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,462/mo39%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$2,462/mo39%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,447/mo40%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,447/mo40%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$2,443/mo40%
Billing and Posting Clerk$2,434/mo40%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$2,430/mo40%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$2,421/mo40%
Delivery Driver$2,407/mo40%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,391/mo40%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$2,390/mo40%
Library Technician$2,363/mo41%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,363/mo41%
Pharmacy Technician$2,352/mo41%
Phlebotomist$2,352/mo41%
Customer Service Rep$2,351/mo41%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$2,348/mo41%
Dental Assistant$2,348/mo41%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$2,338/mo41%
Teller$2,320/mo42%
Construction Laborer$2,318/mo42%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$2,298/mo42%
Driver/Sales Worker$2,293/mo42%
Food Service Supervisor$2,288/mo42%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,251/mo43%
Warehouse Worker$2,250/mo43%
EMT$2,246/mo43%
Highway Maintenance Worker$2,226/mo43%
Labor Relations Specialist$2,226/mo43%
Sports Coach$2,220/mo44%
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,219/mo44%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,215/mo44%
Medical Assistant$2,213/mo44%
Landscaper$2,198/mo44%
Photographer$2,185/mo44%
Printing Press Operator$2,179/mo44%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$2,142/mo45%
Medical Equipment Preparer$2,140/mo45%
Skincare Specialist$2,127/mo45%
Food Batchmaker$2,124/mo46%
Telemarketer$2,120/mo46%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$2,107/mo46%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,077/mo47%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$2,070/mo47%
Psychiatric Technician$2,062/mo47%
File Clerk$2,061/mo47%
Couriers and Messenger$2,033/mo48%
Tutor$2,029/mo48%
Data Entry Keyer$2,022/mo48%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,020/mo48%
Opticians, Dispensing$2,015/mo48%
Nursing Assistant$1,985/mo49%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$1,976/mo49%
Parts Salesperson$1,969/mo49%
Hairdresser$1,966/mo49%
Counter and Rental Clerk$1,964/mo49%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$1,951/mo50%
Tire Repairers and Changer$1,944/mo50%
Receptionist$1,942/mo50%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$1,912/mo51%
School Bus Monitor$1,909/mo51%
Baker$1,908/mo51%
Tax Preparer$1,905/mo51%
Office Clerk$1,900/mo51%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$1,900/mo51%
Security Guard$1,886/mo51%
Restaurant Cook$1,881/mo51%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$1,878/mo51%
Retail Salesperson$1,866/mo52%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$1,862/mo52%
Sewing Machine Operator$1,854/mo52%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$1,853/mo52%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$1,819/mo53%
Recreation Worker$1,813/mo53%
Janitor$1,808/mo53%
Parking Attendant$1,781/mo54%
Residential Advisor$1,763/mo55%
Animal Caretaker$1,761/mo55%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$1,750/mo55%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$1,741/mo56%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$1,732/mo56%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$1,728/mo56%
Cooks, Fast Food$1,710/mo57%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$1,710/mo57%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$1,677/mo58%
Cashier$1,628/mo59%
Cooks, Short Order$1,591/mo61%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$1,583/mo61%
Library Assistants, Clerical$1,565/mo62%
Food Preparation Worker$1,552/mo62%
Home Health Aide$1,548/mo62%
Dishwasher$1,546/mo63%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$1,534/mo63%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$1,487/mo65%
Teaching Assistant$1,480/mo65%
Preschool Teacher$1,446/mo67%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$1,440/mo67%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$1,438/mo67%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$1,436/mo67%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$1,403/mo69%
Childcare Worker$1,401/mo69%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$1,387/mo70%
Bartender$1,355/mo71%
Server$1,314/mo74%
Bus Drivers, School$1,145/mo84%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

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