Decatur vs Huntsville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,478▲ | $107,485 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.60▲ | $51.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,364 | $98,546▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,529▲ | $103,647 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,437 | $127,606▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,971 | $134,071▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Decatur and Huntsville are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Decatur and Huntsville is $3,993 (3.71%). Decatur's median is -18.55% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $41,607,Huntsville spans $35,525. Decatur has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Decatur ($127,824 effective) pays 10.68% more than Huntsville ($115,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,478/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,824)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,071)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Decatur grew 16.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.7% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$92,220 (2019) → $107,760 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$94,730 (2019) → $103,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Decatur or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Huntsville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Decatur vs Huntsville?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov