Data Scientist Salary in Birmingham, AL: $91,208 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $43.85/hour | $60,251 - $134,800 range
Median Annual Salary
$91,208
Hourly Rate
$43.85
/hour
Jobs in Area
159
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Birmingham, AL
$91,208
San Jose, CA
$148,412
in San Jose, CA
Data Scientist Salary Range in Birmingham, AL
Annual Salary Range
$60k
10th percentile
$75k
25th
$111k
75th
$135k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $60,251 | $28.97 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,198 | $36.15 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $91,208 | $43.85 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,465 | $53.59 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $134,800 | $64.81 |
| Average (Mean) | $98,017 | $47.12 |
Data Scientist Market Insights for Birmingham, AL
Compensation Overview
While Birmingham, AL pays below the national average for Data Scientists, professionals should consider the complete compensation picture including cost of living, benefits, and quality of life factors.
Local Market Context
Birmingham, AL offers a lower cost of living compared to major coastal metros, meaning your salary stretches further here. Many professionals find that moderate salaries in Alabama provide comparable or better quality of life than higher-paying positions in expensive cities.
Cost of Living Impact
After adjusting for local cost of living, your effective purchasing power is approximately 11% higher than the nominal salary suggests. This means Birmingham, AL offers strong real earning potential for this role.
Career Outlook
The Data Scientist profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 124% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 48% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-16%
vs National Avg
-19%
vs State Avg
124%
Salary Range
159
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Data Scientist salary growth in Birmingham, AL based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$60,251
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$75,198
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$91,208
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$111,465
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$134,800
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Data Scientist Job Market in Birmingham, AL
Where Data Scientists Work
Data Scientists work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Birmingham, AL compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Birmingham, AL
- •Research major employers in the Birmingham-Hoover area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Alabama
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Birmingham, AL market rate of $91,208
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $60,251 in this market
Data Scientist Career Overview in Birmingham, AL
The job market for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL is emerging, with approximately 159 professionals employed across the metropolitan area. This represents a growing presence of Data Scientist positions, reflecting the region's economic base and employer diversity in Birmingham, AL. While salaries run about 16% below the national median, the lower cost of living in Birmingham, AL helps offset the gap in real purchasing power.
Birmingham, AL's diverse economy supports technology roles across multiple sectors including healthcare, education, government, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Major employers in Alabama range from large corporations and hospital systems to mid-size regional firms and growing startups. This employer diversity provides career stability and mobility, as professionals can advance their careers without necessarily relocating. The mix of public and private sector opportunities also creates varied compensation structures, with some employers offering lower base salaries but stronger benefits and job security.
The growth outlook for Data Scientist positions in Birmingham, AL is projected to remain stable with opportunities tied to local economic growth and industry trends. With 159 current positions and a median salary of $91,208, the market provides a solid foundation for career development. Professionals who invest in continuing education and stay current with industry developments position themselves for both job security and upward salary mobility. The combination of Birmingham, AL's economic trajectory and broader industry trends suggests that qualified Data Scientists will continue to find opportunities in this market over the coming years.
One of Birmingham, AL's strongest advantages for Data Scientists is the favorable cost of living (index: 89.7). The median salary of $91,208 delivers approximately $101,681 in purchasing power when adjusted for local costs. This enhanced buying power means professionals here can often achieve a higher quality of life, build savings faster, and invest more compared to counterparts in expensive coastal metros who earn nominally higher salaries. For Data Scientists who can work remotely or find comparable roles locally, this market offers compelling financial advantages.
The Technology field in Birmingham, AL benefits from the region's broader economic ecosystem. Local industry associations, professional networking groups, and continuing education opportunities through area universities and community colleges help Data Scientists stay connected and advance their careers. Alabama's business incentive programs and workforce development initiatives also play a role in attracting employers and creating positions. For Data Scientists early in their career, Birmingham, AL offers the chance to build a professional network in a market where individual contributions are often more visible than in the largest metros, potentially accelerating career progression.
Data Scientist Compensation Deep Dive in Birmingham, AL
The salary range for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL spans from $60,251 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $134,800 for top earners (90th percentile), a spread of $74,549. This 124% differential reflects the significant impact that experience, specialization, credentials, and employer type have on compensation in this field. The median salary of $91,208 sits at the midpoint of the market, representing what a Data Scientist with moderate experience and standard qualifications can expect. The 25th percentile ($75,198) typically corresponds to early-career professionals with 1-3 years of experience, while the 75th percentile ($111,465) reflects seasoned professionals with specialized skills or management responsibilities.
Base salary tells only part of the compensation story for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL. Total compensation packages commonly include health insurance (valued at $6,000-$15,000 annually for employer contributions), retirement plan matching (typically 3-6% of salary, worth $3,648 per year at the median), paid time off (averaging 15-20 days), and in some cases performance bonuses, stock options, or professional development allowances. When evaluating job offers, Data Scientists should request a total compensation breakdown. A position paying $75,198 with strong benefits may deliver more value than one paying $91,208 with minimal perks.
Cost of living directly impacts how far a Data Scientist's salary goes in Birmingham, AL. With a local cost-of-living index of 89.7 (where 100 equals the national average), the median salary of $91,208 provides purchasing power equivalent to approximately $101,681 in an average-cost U.S. city. This favorable cost structure means Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL enjoy more disposable income than the base salary suggests. Housing, groceries, and services all cost less here, amplifying the value of each dollar earned.
Negotiating Data Scientist compensation in Birmingham, AL requires market awareness. The gap between the 25th and 75th percentiles ($75,198 to $111,465) represents the most common negotiation range. Candidates with in-demand certifications, niche expertise, or competing offers have the strongest leverage. In this market, there may be room to push offers closer to national benchmarks, especially for candidates willing to reference out-of-market salary data. Asking for a salary review after 6-12 months, signing bonuses, or additional PTO are effective alternatives when base salary flexibility is limited. On an hourly basis, Data Scientists in this market earn between $29 and $65 per hour, with the median at $44.
Data Scientist Career Path & Growth in Birmingham, AL
The career trajectory for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL shows significant earning potential over time. Entry-level professionals start around $60,251, while top earners reach $134,800, representing a 2.2x increase from start to peak. This progression typically unfolds over 10-20 years and is driven by accumulating expertise, taking on leadership responsibilities, developing specializations, and building a professional reputation. In Birmingham, AL's technology market, professionals who demonstrate consistent performance improvements and take on increasingly complex projects advance most quickly. Mid-career transitions into management, consulting, or entrepreneurship can also accelerate earnings beyond the standard progression curve.
Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL who are exploring career pivots or complementary roles should consider positions such as related professionals in the same field, supervisory roles, and cross-functional positions. These adjacent occupations often share transferable skills and can offer different compensation structures, work environments, or growth trajectories. In Birmingham, AL's job market, professionals who develop cross-functional capabilities spanning multiple related roles tend to be more resilient to market shifts and better positioned for leadership opportunities. Lateral moves can also provide valuable perspective that strengthens a professional's long-term career trajectory.
The skills most in demand for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL include industry-specific technical competencies, communication and collaboration skills, analytical thinking, and adaptability to new tools and processes. Employers in Birmingham, AL value professionals who combine deep subject-matter expertise with the ability to work effectively across teams and adapt to evolving industry requirements. Pursuing relevant professional certifications can provide a measurable salary boost of 5-15% and signal commitment to the field. Continuous learning through industry conferences, online courses, and professional associations helps Data Scientists stay competitive in Birmingham, AL's evolving job market.
More Questions About Data Scientist Salaries in Birmingham, AL
What is the starting salary for a Data Scientist in Birmingham, AL?
Entry-level Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL (10th percentile) earn approximately $60,251 per year, or about $5,021 per month. The 25th percentile, representing early-career professionals with some experience, earns $75,198. These figures reflect base salary only; new hires may also receive benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base pay. Building specialized skills and pursuing relevant certifications are the fastest paths to moving beyond entry-level compensation.
How much do experienced Data Scientists make in Birmingham, AL?
Experienced Data Scientists at the 75th percentile earn $111,465 annually in Birmingham, AL, while top earners at the 90th percentile make $134,800. The jump from median ($91,208) to 75th percentile represents a 22% increase, typically achieved through 5-10 years of experience, management responsibilities, or specialized expertise. Senior professionals who combine technical depth with leadership skills are best positioned for top-tier compensation.
Is Birmingham, AL a good city for Data Scientists?
Birmingham, AL pays below the national average, but the lower cost of living helps offset the difference. With 159 Data Scientist positions in the metro area, the market is smaller but can offer less competition and more personal career development. Quality of life, industry presence, and long-term career trajectory should all factor into your evaluation alongside salary data.
How does Data Scientist pay in Birmingham, AL compare to the national average?
The median Data Scientist salary in Birmingham, AL is $91,208, which is 16% lower than the national median of $108,020. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective purchasing power is $101,681, which provides a more accurate comparison. Within Alabama, Birmingham, AL ranks below some peer metros for this occupation.
What benefits do Data Scientists typically receive in Birmingham, AL?
Beyond base salary, Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL typically receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement contributions (401k matching of 3-6%), paid time off (15-25 days annually), and sometimes performance bonuses or profit sharing. The total value of benefits often adds 25-35% on top of base salary, meaning a Data Scientist earning the median of $91,208 may receive total compensation of $118,570 or more. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement, professional development budgets, flexible work arrangements, and wellness programs.
What skills are most in demand for Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL?
Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL who command the highest salaries typically combine core technical competencies with strong communication skills, analytical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to professional development. Employers in this market particularly value professionals who can demonstrate measurable impact, whether through revenue generation, cost savings, process improvements, or team leadership. Certifications relevant to the Technology field can increase earning potential by 5-15%. Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies is essential for career advancement and salary growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The median data scientist salary in Birmingham, AL is $91,208 per year ($43.85/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $60,251 for entry-level positions to $134,800 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level data scientists in Birmingham, AL typically start at around $60,251 per year ($28.97/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $91,208 within 3-5 years.
Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL earn a median hourly wage of $43.85 per hour. Hourly rates range from $28.97/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $64.81/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $60,251 and $134,800.
The median data scientist salary of $91,208 in Birmingham, AL is below the national median of $108,020 (15.6% lower). Plus, the cost of living is 10% below the national average, stretching your salary further. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of data scientists in the area earn more and half earn less.
Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL earn below the national average. The local median salary of $91,208 is 15.6% lower than the national median of $108,020. Plus, the cost of living is 10% below the national average, stretching your salary further. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $101,681.
The top 10% of data scientists in Birmingham, AL earn $134,800 or more per year ($64.81/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $111,465, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost data scientist salary in Birmingham, AL include: Strong programming skills (Python, R, SQL), Statistical analysis and machine learning expertise, Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop). Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $91,208, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($111,465) or higher. Education level (PhD commands premium)
Birmingham, AL has a specialized job market for data scientists, with approximately 159 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $91,208 is below the national average. Plus, the cost of living is 10% below the national average, stretching your salary further. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your data scientist salary to these Birmingham, AL benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $60,251, 25th percentile: $75,198, 50th percentile (median): $91,208, 75th percentile: $111,465, 90th percentile (top earners): $134,800. If you earn more than $91,208, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $91,208 median base salary, data scientists in Birmingham, AL typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced data scientists with 5-10 years in Birmingham, AL typically earn $111,465 (75th percentile) to $134,800 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $134,800. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $91,208.
Data Scientists in Birmingham, AL can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($60,251) to median ($91,208) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($134,800) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $74,549 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Birmingham-Hoover
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
15-2051
SOC Classification
Sample Size
159
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Data Scientist in Birmingham, AL
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Median: $91,208/yr
How Birmingham, AL Compares
vs National Average
$108,020
vs Alabama Average
$112,314
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$101,681
Cost of living in Birmingham, AL is 10.3% below the national average.
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