Auburn vs Birmingham: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,239 | $100,155▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.42 | $48.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,154 | $79,663▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,962 | $84,345▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,218 | $121,415▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,716 | $137,604▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,030▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $11,916 (13.50%). Birmingham's median is -4.88% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $67,562,Birmingham spans $57,941. Auburn 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 ($109,287 effective) pays 8.91% more than Auburn ($100,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,604)
- ✓Larger job market (1,030 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,287)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Auburn grew -8.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$93,640 (2019) → $86,120 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$94,370 (2019) → $97,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov