Birmingham vs Opelika: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $64,519▲ | $53,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.02▲ | $25.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,284▲ | $44,395 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,061▲ | $50,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,352▲ | $62,803 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,060▲ | $67,776 |
| Total Employed | 3,300▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Opelika.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Opelika is $11,232 (21.08%). Birmingham's median is -5.22% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $24,776,Opelika spans $23,381. 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 ($70,402 effective) pays 16.13% more than Opelika ($60,622 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 ($64,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,060)
- ✓Larger job market (3,300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,402)
- ✓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, licensed practical nurse salaries in Birmingham grew 43.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$42,500 (2019) → $61,040 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$40,751 (2024) → $50,413 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Birmingham or Opelika?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Opelika?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Opelika as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Birmingham vs Opelika?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov