Salaries in Montgomery, AL
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Montgomeryโs secret? Itโs a city where a software developerโs salary stretches further than youโd guess. I was surprised to see that $123,747 here feels like $136,285 nationally. The state capital isnโt just about government jobs anymore.
Hereโs 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 doesnโt sound huge, but it buys a decent life here. The average salary of $67,196 adjusts to a purchasing power of $74,005. Itโs not a fortune, but your paycheck doesnโt get vaporized by rent.
Whoโs thriving? The data shows marketing managers, pharmacists, and software developers are the clear winners. Theyโre pulling in six figures, and their COL-adjusted numbers are even better. Youโll 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.
Hereโs the honest catch: while the unemployment rate is a tight 3.1%, wages arenโt exploding. The gap between the top earners and everyone else is stark. This city works beautifully for a professional with a bachelorโs degree (only 33.1% of folks have one, so you stand out) and a family. If youโre expecting Silicon Valley salaries, youโll be disappointed. But if you want a solid career where your paycheck actually covers your life with room to spare, Montgomeryโs numbers tell a compelling story.
The breakdown below shows exactly who earns what, and what it means for your bank account.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Montgomery
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ 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.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Montgomery
๐งฎ 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
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Montgomery Worth It?
Honestly, Montgomery is financially worth it if youโre 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 tradesโsteady demand, reasonable pay, and low living costs. Tech workers can do okay, but youโll likely earn more in bigger markets.
My verdict: If you want a balanced lifeโless rent stress, manageable commutes, and decent payโMontgomery works. Itโs not a wealth-building launchpad, but itโs a solid, affordable place to build stability. One piece of advice: Line up a job before moving. The marketโs smaller than you think, and local networks matter. Come here for quality of life, not just the salary.