Here Is Where Alabamians Are Making the Most Money
Paychecks aren’t spread evenly across Alabama. While some areas still wrestle with low wages, others are seeing serious income growth tied to booming industries and steady government jobs. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. News reveal that a few cities and counties in the state are pulling ahead. Here’s where earnings are climbing higher.
Huntsville Keeps Its Foot On The Tech Pedal
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Huntsville has long been the state’s science and engineering anchor, and its payroll proves it. Operations research analysts here earn about $130,240. With NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and a rising number of private aerospace employers nearby, tech professionals have plenty of reasons to stay put.
Dentists In Auburn-Opelika Don’t Frown At The Numbers
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The average salary for dentists in the Auburn-Opelika area is a hefty $252,650. Regional healthcare growth and proximity to major medical hubs have helped fuel demand.
Tuscaloosa’s Sports Coaches Cash In
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Tuscaloosa coaches earn an average of $133,340, thanks to the University of Alabama’s nationally competitive athletic programs and a local culture that takes football extremely seriously. Coaching isn’t limited to the sidelines, either; academic institutions and training centers across the area also pay premium rates.
Project Managers In Dothan Don’t Just Organize—They Earn
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Project management specialists working in Dothan take home about $134,160 on average. That’s not just high for Alabama—it’s high across the country. Healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure development are among the local industries driving demand. The city’s growing business climate seems to favor professionals who can keep large-scale operations on track.
Shelby County Tops The Income Charts
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With a median household income of $93,543, Shelby County sits comfortably at the top in Alabama. Nearly half of its households earn six figures. It’s part of the Birmingham metro, but its suburban communities attract high-income professionals with careers in healthcare and law.
Madison County Is Growing—And So Are Paychecks
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Madison County, home to part of Huntsville’s booming job market, isn’t far behind Shelby. The median household income here is $83,528, with over 40% of households bringing in more than $100,000 annually. Aerospace, defense, and biotech industries feed the local economy. Even with housing costs rising, wages in this area are keeping pace.
Gulf Shores Rents Out Sunshine And Strong Returns
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Vacation rental investors in Gulf Shores are doing well—very well. With millions of beachgoers visiting each year, short-term rentals often outperform long-term leases. Properties near the coast command premium nightly rates, especially during peak travel months. Investors who play their cards right can generate steady income.
Baldwin County Banks On Its Coastal Appeal
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Baldwin County’s median household income is $75,019, with over a third of households bringing in six-figure incomes. The area has become a magnet for both retirees and remote workers seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high prices of Florida. Construction, healthcare, and real estate have all seen sharp upticks.
Birmingham’s Health Sector Keeps Wallets Healthy
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Birmingham’s medical community is a major source of high-paying jobs, largely thanks to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital system. Specialists and administrators working in this network often earn salaries that exceed state averages. UAB’s reputation draws talent from around the country, which, in turn, supports a rental market strong enough to sustain investor interest.
Limestone County’s Income Growth Is No Fluke
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Salaries in Limestone County are keeping up with its explosive population growth. The median household income is now $83,534. Located just west of Huntsville, the county benefits from the area’s economic ripple effects—defense contracts, tech jobs, and industrial expansion have all boosted local wages.