Alabaster vs Birmingham: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Alabaster, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alabaster, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,521 | $141,340▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.23 | $67.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,668 | $109,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,811 | $129,854▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,316 | $154,476▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,875 | $164,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,550▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alabaster.
The salary gap between Alabaster and Birmingham is $9,819 (7.47%). Birmingham's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $60,207,Birmingham spans $54,846. Alabaster 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, Birmingham ($154,227 effective) pays 3.08% more than Alabaster ($149,626 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alabaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,340/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,140)
- ✓Larger job market (1,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,227)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Alabaster grew 18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Alabaster, AL
$109,019 (2024) → $129,157 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$122,870 (2019) → $138,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alabaster, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Alabaster or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Alabaster to Birmingham as a pharmacist?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov