Auburn vs Birmingham: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $105,475 | $108,941▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.71 | $52.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,525▲ | $61,475 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,748 | $101,801▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,209▲ | $124,242 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,542 | $169,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $3,466 (3.29%). Birmingham's median is -22.40% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $68,017,Birmingham spans $107,588. Birmingham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($119,994 effective) pays 0.94% more than Birmingham ($118,874 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,994)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,941/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,063)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Auburn grew 6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$96,243 (2024) → $102,086 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$88,770 (2019) → $105,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov