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Physical Education Degree in Birmingham, AL — Salary & ROI 2026

Physical Education degree analysis for Birmingham, AL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$44K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$46K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.2 yrs

in Birmingham

Cost of Living

88

index (100 = avg)

Physical Education in Birmingham, AL Overview

Birmingham, Alabama (pop. 200,733) has 10 colleges offering Physical Education programs. The local cost of living index of 88 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,041/month. Physical Education enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Motor Development and Sports Coaching. The adjusted starting salary in Birmingham is approximately $44,000.

Category

Education

Local Colleges

10

Public Tuition

$10,440/yr

Private Tuition

$36,380/yr

Room & Board

$10,096/yr

Avg Fin. Aid

$14,275/yr

Unemployment

5.9%

Graduation Rate

68%

Physical Education Salary in Birmingham (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Birmingham's cost of living index of 88 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000($-6,000 vs national)
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
$45,760($-6,240 vs national)
Senior Level (15+ yrs)
$52,800($-7,200 vs national)

Note: National average Physical Education salary: $50,000 starting, $52,000 mid-career, $60,000 senior level.Birmingham adjustment factor: 0.88x based on the local cost of living index.

Physical Education ROI Calculator for Birmingham

Estimate your return on investment for a Physical Education degree using local Birmingham tuition and cost of living data.

Public avg: $10,440 | Private avg: $36,380

Birmingham avg aid: $14,275/yr

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$82,144

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$13,200

vs HS diploma in Birmingham

ROI Payback Period

6.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Birmingham

$137,856

Lifetime earnings premium ($220,000) minus total education cost ($82,144)

Student Loan Payoff for Physical Education in Birmingham

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$82,144
Monthly Payment$933
Total Interest$29,783
% of Monthly Income25%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$82,144
Monthly Payment$1,607
Total Interest$14,291
Interest Savings$15,493

Colleges in Birmingham for Physical Education

University of Alabama at Birmingham

public

$10,440/yr

$41,760 total

Samford University

private

$36,380/yr

$145,520 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Jefferson State Community College

$4,800/yr

Top Employers for Physical Education in Birmingham

Birmingham offers opportunities in School districts, Universities, EdTech companies for Physical Education graduates. National top employers in this field include:

Public SchoolsPrivate SchoolsYMCARecreation DepartmentsCommunity Centers

Key Birmingham Hiring Sectors for Education

School districts

Universities

EdTech companies

Non-profits

Training organizations

Common Physical Education Job Titles

PE TeacherAthletic DirectorHealth TeacherSports Coach

Physical Education Degree in Birmingham — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Physical Education ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Birmingham.

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