Registered nurse salary in Alabama
The median registered nurse in Alabama earned $77,080 a year in 2025, $20,470 (21%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 51st of 51 states, the lowest in the country.
- Median yearly pay
- $77,080
- Average yearly pay
- $77,020
- Employed in Alabama
- 54,340
How Alabama compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Alabama
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $77,080 | 54,340 |
| LPN or LVN | $57,030 | 11,580 |
| Nurse practitioner | $105,750 | 5,640 |
A nurse practitioner in Alabama earns a median $28,670 more than a registered nurse ($105,750 against $77,080). A registered nurse earns a median $20,050 more than an LPN or LVN here ($77,080 against $57,030).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Alabama?
The median is $77,080 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Alabama earn more and half earn less.
Is Alabama a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Alabama ranks 51st of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Alabama pays 21% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Alabama?
BLS counted 54,340 registered nurses employed in Alabama in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Alabama the average is $77,020.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Alabama?
Alabama requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.