Physicians, Pathologists Salary in Alabama: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Physicians, Pathologists salary really buy you in Alabama?

Alabama is 12.2% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$238,020

Median annual (2024)

→ +13.9%

Real Purchasing Power

$271,093

COL-adjusted (RPP=87.8)

Alabama Cost of Living Index

Alabama's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 87.8, meaning prices are 12.2% lower the national average. A Physicians, Pathologists earning $238,020 in Alabama has the equivalent purchasing power of $271,093 in an average-cost US state.

AL: 87.8

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Key Insight

A Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama earns $238,020 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 14% further — like earning $271,093 in an average-cost state. This makes Alabama one of the best value states for this occupation.

Best States for Physicians, Pathologists (After Cost of Living)

Where does Physicians, Pathologists salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Alabama

$271,093

RPP 87.8

2. South Carolina

$244,497

RPP 93.6

3. Missouri

$234,281

RPP 91.1

4. New York

$200,501

RPP 107.6

5. Maryland

$181,304

RPP 105.0

6. California

$147,502

RPP 112.5

Alabama ranks #1 out of 6 states for Physicians, Pathologists after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama after cost of living?

A Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama earns a median salary of $238,020 per year. After adjusting for Alabama's cost of living (RPP=87.8), the real purchasing power is $271,093 — a +13.9% difference.

Is Alabama expensive to live in?

Alabama's cost of living is 12.2% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Alabama is 87.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama: $238,020 x (100 / 87.8) = $271,093. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Physicians, Pathologists in Alabama enjoys 13.9% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.