An Alabama certified teacher earns more money at the beginning of his career than all other first-year teachers working in America, which makes a convincing argument for obtaining a teaching certification in Alabama. Alabama’s low-end salary rate of $36,144 per year for first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree is almost $4,000 higher than the national average. Becoming a teacher in Alabama doesn’t include a six-figure paycheck, however, and budget constraints have made it difficult for legislators to extend raises and cost of living adjustments to teachers.
The following table shows average May 2011 salaries for those who have fulfilled the teaching requirements in Alabama. Individuals thinking about obtaining their teaching certification in Alabama should consult this information as pay can vary widely based on the position.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in Alabama | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,790 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers Postsecondary | $75,480 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers Postsecondary | $65,140 | $74,890 |
| Education Teachers Postsecondary | $56,130 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers Postsecondary | $49,370 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $28,720 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $48,320 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $48,470 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $49,480 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $50,120 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $50,320 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $49,930 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $52,040 | $59,080 |
Within the state of Alabama, the Birmingham Business Journal reports that the metropolitan areas of Auburn and Tuscaloosa had the highest average salaries among Alabama educators. This is largely due to college professor salaries at Auburn University and Tuscaloosa’s University of Alabama. Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, has the third-highest teacher pay.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | $50,920 |
| Mobile AL | $51,100 |
| Montgomery AL | $40,120 |
Helpful Resources
- Alabama State Department of Education – Teacher Salary Schedules
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Annual wage information