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Note: The salary and informational data presented here is aggregated data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and are provided for information only and are not a promise of employment nor attainment of any certain wage. Best efforts have been made to ensure the information is accurate according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Individuals are advised to visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for the latest information. Last Updated: April 2025

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide essential support across a wide range of healthcare settings, assisting patients with daily activities such as hygiene, mobility, and feeding. In Alabama, CNAs earn an average hourly wage of $15.04, which translates to an average annual salary of , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earnings often depend on the type of employer. CNAs working in hospital settings or government-run facilities may receive higher compensation than those employed by long-term care centers or home health agencies. Specialized skills, such as training in dementia care or safe patient handling, can also increase job opportunities and pay.

Experience level matters as well. CNAs early in their careers typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, but those with several years of service or additional responsibilities, such as training new staff or assisting with clinical documentation, can see gradual wage increases.

For those looking to grow in the nursing field, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) through a nursing program is a common next step. These roles offer higher earning potential and expanded clinical responsibilities.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide hands-on nursing care in a variety of healthcare environments, including clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. LPNs in Alabama earn an average hourly wage of $23.23, which amounts to an average annual salary of .

Salaries often increase with experience, particularly for LPNs who develop expertise in clinical tasks such as wound care, administering medications, and managing patient records. Some employers offer additional compensation for high-demand shifts or roles that involve specialized care, like working in a surgical recovery unit or a skilled nursing facility.

Work setting also plays a key role in compensation. LPNs employed by hospitals or specialty clinics tend to earn more than those working in residential care or outpatient services, where patient needs may be less complex. In some cases, opportunities to supervise medication administration or assist with care planning can also impact pay.

For those looking to continue their professional growth, many LPNs choose to pursue RN licensure through bridge programs. These programs offer a streamlined path to become an RN, which may result in higher-paying positions with expanded clinical authority and the potential to work in more specialized areas of nursing. ​​​​

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Registered Nurses (RNs) are at the center of patient care coordination, working across a wide range of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and community health programs. In Alabama, the average hourly wage for an RN is $34.31, which equals an average annual salary of .

Several factors influence RN salaries, including years of experience, level of education, and area of specialization. RNs with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) often earn more than those with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), particularly when applying for supervisory or specialty roles. Experience in areas such as emergency care, intensive care, or labor and delivery can also lead to higher compensation.

While many RNs remain in direct patient care, others choose to pursue advanced credentials or graduate-level education. These pathways can lead to roles in advanced practice, nursing education, or healthcare administration, offering broader responsibilities and long-term career growth.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) hold graduate-level degrees and are licensed to provide a higher level of care, often including diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing medications. APRNs typically earn more than RNs due to their specialized training, expanded clinical responsibilities, and greater autonomy in patient care.

In Alabama, salaries for APRNs vary widely based on specialty, work setting, and years of experience. Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Anesthetists are among the most common APRN roles, each with unique responsibilities and earning potential.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Alabama earn an average hourly wage of $52.89, which is an average annual salary of [PS1] . NPs assess patients, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as primary care providers, especially in underserved or rural communities.

Earnings can vary depending on the NP’s area of specialization. Those working in family practice, acute care, or psychiatric mental health may see differences in pay due to scope of practice, patient demand, and billing structures. Additional factors that affect compensation include years of experience, board certification, and whether the provider works in a private practice, hospital system, or community clinic.

NPs practicing in high-need specialties or leadership roles may qualify for higher salaries, especially when managing teams or coordinating care across departments. Many also take on teaching, policy, or consulting responsibilities as their careers progress.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the highest-paid nursing professionals in Alabama. With advanced clinical training in anesthesia delivery and patient monitoring, CRNAs play an important role in surgical procedures, pain management, and emergency interventions. In Alabama, CRNAs earn an average hourly wage of $83.35, which equals an average annual salary of .[PS1] 

Compensation for CRNAs can vary depending on the type of facility, surgical volume, and region of the state. Those working in high-volume hospitals or specialized surgical centers often command higher salaries, especially if they are involved in complex procedures or hold leadership roles within anesthesia teams.

Experience is another factor that contributes to salary growth. CRNAs with many years in practice may receive higher base pay, bonuses, or stipends for supervising other anesthesia providers. Some CRNAs also work independently in rural settings where physician anesthesiologists are not available, which may lead to increased autonomy and additional compensation.

Nursing salaries across Alabama can differ based on city-specific factors such as cost of living, access to major health systems, and local demand for healthcare professionals. Cities with large medical centers or teaching hospitals may offer higher wages, while smaller regions may provide more affordable living and unique employment incentives.

Below, we’ve listed the average annual salaries for each role in five major cities based on the most recent data currently available (May 2022).

*Data used in this table is based on the annual mean wage data from the .

Some cities in Alabama consistently offer higher salaries for nurses due to factors such as strong hospital systems, higher patient volume, and regional workforce demand. Areas with large academic medical centers or specialty care facilities often lead the way in compensation across all nursing roles.

Below are the top-paying cities/metropolitan areas in Alabama for nurses, based on average annual salaries across CNA, LPN, and RN roles.

Certified Nursing Assistant

• Birmingham, AL: $34,200
• Auburn-Opelika, AL: $33,990
• Huntsville, AL: $33,920
• Montgomery, AL: $33,630
• Decatur, AL: 33,620

Licensed Practical Nurse

• Huntsville, AL: $53,990
• Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL: $53,330
• Birmingham, AL: $52,760
• Mobile, AL: $51,680
• Anniston-Oxford, AL: $51,430

Registered Nurse

• Montgomery, AL: $84,850
• Auburn-Opelika, AL: $84,220
• Birmingham, AL: $78,180
• Mobile, AL: $74,720
• Tuscaloosa, AL: $74,440

*Data used in this section is based on the annual mean wage data from the .

The nursing profession in Alabama is expected to see continued growth over the next decade as healthcare systems expand to meet the needs of a changing population. Current trends such as increased use of telehealth, a rise in chronic health conditions, and access challenges in rural areas are contributing to ongoing demand for trained nurses across the state.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of Registered Nurses is projected to grow by , which is slightly higher than the national average.

Nurses with experience in areas like geriatrics, behavioral health, and chronic disease management may find particularly strong job prospects, as these specialties align closely with the healthcare needs of Alabama’s population. Additionally, the rise of remote care models is creating new roles in care coordination, patient education, and virtual nursing support.

While salary is a major consideration, nurses in Alabama may also be eligible for a wide range of benefits that enhance their total compensation. These can vary by employer and role but often include offerings such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings plans.

In many cases, healthcare employers also provide:

• Sign-on bonuses for eligible new hires
• Tuition assistance or reimbursement for continued education
• Loan repayment programs, especially for nurses working in underserved areas
• Relocation support for out-of-state candidates or rural placements
• Flexible scheduling and shift differentials for nights and weekends

Select state-level programs may also offer additional incentives for nurses who work in high-need communities or commit to certain service obligations. These benefits, combined with job stability and opportunities for advancement, make nursing a competitive and rewarding career path throughout Alabama.

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