๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 91 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Montgomery, AL

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$67,196
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$74,005
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$153,269
1BR Rent
$913
median monthly

Montgomeryโ€™s secret? Itโ€™s a city where a software developerโ€™s salary stretches further than youโ€™d guess. I was surprised to see that $123,747 here feels like $136,285 nationally. The state capital isnโ€™t just about government jobs anymore.

Hereโ€™s the real math. With a cost of living index of 90.8, your dollar buys about 9% more than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment runs $913 a month. That median household income of $57,300 doesnโ€™t sound huge, but it buys a decent life here. The average salary of $67,196 adjusts to a purchasing power of $74,005. Itโ€™s not a fortune, but your paycheck doesnโ€™t get vaporized by rent.

Whoโ€™s thriving? The data shows marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers are the clear winners. Theyโ€™re pulling in six figures, and their COL-adjusted numbers are even better. Youโ€™ll find solid work at regional healthcare systems like Baptist Health and at the big military and government contractors around Maxwell-Gunter. Construction managers are also doing well, which makes sense as the city slowly grows.

Hereโ€™s the honest catch: while the unemployment rate is a tight 3.1%, wages arenโ€™t exploding. The gap between the top earners and everyone else is stark. This city works beautifully for a professional with a bachelorโ€™s degree (only 33.1% of folks have one, so you stand out) and a family. If youโ€™re expecting Silicon Valley salaries, youโ€™ll be disappointed. But if you want a solid career where your paycheck actually covers your life with room to spare, Montgomeryโ€™s numbers tell a compelling story.

The breakdown below shows exactly who earns what, and what it means for your bank account.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Montgomery

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -3% vs national

Marketing Manager

$153,269
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $168,798
โฑ Hourly $73.69/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 390
๐Ÿฅˆ -3% vs national

Pharmacist

$132,275
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $145,677
โฑ Hourly $63.59/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 390
๐Ÿฅ‰ -3% vs national

Software Developer

$123,747
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $136,285
โฑ Hourly $59.49/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 1K
4๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Construction Manager

$105,223
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $115,884
โฑ Hourly $50.59/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 390
5๏ธโƒฃ -3% vs national

Project Manager

$98,484
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $108,463
โฑ Hourly $47.35/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 390

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Montgomery

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (91/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $153,269
2 Pharmacist $132,275
3 Software Developer $123,747
4 Construction Manager $105,223
5 Project Manager $98,484
6 Physical Therapist $96,958
7 Financial Analyst $96,277
8 Web Developer $90,190
9 Dental Hygienist $85,114
10 Accountant $83,704
11 Registered Nurse $83,694
12 Data Analyst $81,059
13 Police Officer $72,842
14 Human Resources Specialist $65,782
15 Elementary School Teacher $61,912
16 Plumber $61,601
17 Paralegal $61,018
18 Electrician $59,851
19 Real Estate Agent $59,783
20 Graphic Designer $59,647
21 Firefighter $55,543
22 Carpenter $55,349
23 HVAC Technician $54,133
24 Heavy Truck Driver $51,624
25 Insurance Agent $48,620
26 Nail Technician $48,620
27 Cosmetologist $48,620
28 Personal Trainer $48,620
29 Chef/Head Cook $48,620
30 Auto Mechanic $48,620
31 Veterinary Technician $48,620
32 Social Worker $48,620
33 Pharmacy Technician $48,620
34 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $48,620
35 Dental Assistant $48,620
36 Loan Officer $48,620
37 Welder $48,221
38 Medical Assistant $37,213
39 Security Guard $35,142
40 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $34,773

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Montgomery

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$913/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,092/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$180,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
3.1%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$57,300
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
33%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
45/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
91
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Montgomery?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Montgomery. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Montgomery Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Montgomery, AL?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Montgomery is $67,196. This figure outpaces the local median household income of $57,300, indicating that average wages are higher than the typical household earnings. The city's cost of living index is 90.8, meaning your paycheck goes about 9.2% further than the national average.

What jobs pay the most in Montgomery?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Montgomery is Marketing Manager, with an average salary of $153,269. This is more than double the city's overall average salary of $67,196. The significant premium for this role highlights the value of specialized business leadership in the local market.

Is Montgomery affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, Montgomery is highly affordable on a Marketing Manager salary of $153,269. This income is 168% higher than the city's median household income of $57,300. Furthermore, the cost of living index of 90.8 and a 1BR rent of $913/month mean a Marketing Manager's salary provides substantial financial comfort.

How does Montgomery's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Montgomery's cost of living index of 90.8 means your paycheck has about 9.2% more purchasing power than the national average. A 1BR apartment costs $913/month, which is affordable relative to the average salary of $67,196. This lower cost base allows for higher savings rates compared to more expensive cities.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Montgomery?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Montgomery, a salary around $67,196 (the city's average) is a strong benchmark. This income is 17% higher than the median household income of $57,300 and comfortably covers the $913/month rent for a 1BR. The city's low cost of living index of 90.8 further stretches this salary, making comfort achievable for many professionals.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Montgomery Worth It?

Honestly, Montgomery is financially worth it if youโ€™re not chasing big-city paychecks. At $67,196 average salary and a 90.8 cost-of-living index, your money stretches further here, especially with $913 rent. Marketing managers clearly win, but the real value shows up in the COL-adjusted numbers.

Who benefits most? Healthcare and tradesโ€”steady demand, reasonable pay, and low living costs. Tech workers can do okay, but youโ€™ll likely earn more in bigger markets.

My verdict: If you want a balanced lifeโ€”less rent stress, manageable commutes, and decent payโ€”Montgomery works. Itโ€™s not a wealth-building launchpad, but itโ€™s a solid, affordable place to build stability. One piece of advice: Line up a job before moving. The marketโ€™s smaller than you think, and local networks matter. Come here for quality of life, not just the salary.

Explore Montgomery Further