Birmingham vs Opelika: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Birmingham, AL and Opelika, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Opelika, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,941▲ | $104,208 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.37▲ | $50.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,475 | $82,416▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,801▲ | $96,091 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,242 | $125,507▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,063▲ | $143,126 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Opelika.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Opelika is $4,733 (4.54%). 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 Birmingham spans $107,588,Opelika spans $60,710. Birmingham 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 ($118,874 effective) pays 0.27% more than Opelika ($118,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,941/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,063)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,874)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Opelika if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Birmingham grew 18.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$88,770 (2019) → $105,440 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$95,086 (2024) → $100,859 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Birmingham or Opelika?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Opelika?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Opelika as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Birmingham vs Opelika?
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