What is the average salary in Opelika, AL?
In Opelika, Alabama, job seekers can expect a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $48,715, showing a solid earning potential for many roles available in the area.
Salaries vary by job type, with many people finding employment in sectors such as education, healthcare, and retail. Higher-paying jobs are often found in professional services and technical fields. Below is an overview of salary ranges and their distribution:
- Education: 26.08%
- Healthcare: 19.87%
- Retail: 13.24%
- Manufacturing: 7.95%
- Construction: 11.71%
- Information Technology: 8.80%
- Finance: 3.08%
- Arts and Entertainment: 1.65%
- Real Estate: 1.35%
- Public Administration: 0.64%
- Other: 0.64%
Understanding these distributions can help job seekers target industries where they might find the best salaries and opportunities for career growth.
What are the best paying jobs in Opelika, AL?

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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $79,579
Drive commercial vehicles, ensuring goods are delivered safely. Companies like Schneider and Swift Transport offer job opportunities. Long hours are common, but the pay is good.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $75,376
Provide care in hospitals and clinics. East Alabama Mental Health Center and Opelika Health offer jobs. Nurses work in shifts and ensure patients get proper care.
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Local Driver
Average Salary: $70,758
Deliver packages or goods within a local area. Companies like UPS and FedEx hire local drivers. Job duties include loading, driving, and unloading.
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Sales Manager
Average Salary: $66,667
Lead a sales team to meet company goals. Companies such as Allstate and AT&T seek experienced managers. Duties include planning strategies and motivating the team.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $60,471
Oversee daily operations at businesses. Restaurants and retail stores need managers. Responsibilities include managing staff and ensuring smooth operations.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $53,975
Provide basic nursing care. Facilities like Opelika Health hire LPNs. Tasks include taking vital signs and helping with patient care.
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Automotive Technician
Average Salary: $51,834
Diagnose and repair vehicles. Dealerships like Chrysler and Ford offer job opportunities. Technicians use tools and diagnostic equipment to fix issues.
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Retail Sales Associate
Average Salary: $50,537
Help customers find products. Stores like Walmart and Lowe’s hire associates. Duties include stocking shelves and assisting customers.
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Retail Store Manager
Average Salary: $43,273
Supervise staff and manage store operations. Retail stores need experienced managers. Duties include hiring staff and maintaining inventory.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $39,379
Fix and maintain equipment. Companies require skilled technicians. Tasks include troubleshooting problems and performing repairs.
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What are the best paying jobs in Opelika, AL without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $32,833
Oversee daily operations and ensure smooth service. Train and manage kitchen and front-of-house staff. Foster a positive work environment and maintain high customer satisfaction.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $30,504
Prepare ingredients and cook food to recipe specifications. Work in fast-paced environments. Collaborate with kitchen staff to meet service needs. Essential for busy dining areas.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $28,467
Assist with food preparation and cooking. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen. Work closely with chefs and cooks. Essential for busy kitchen operations.
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Server
Average Salary: $28,270
Take orders and serve food and beverages. Interact with customers to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in a fast-paced environment. Important for customer satisfaction.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $27,875
Deliver excellent customer service. Handle orders and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in a team to meet service needs. Key to a positive dining experience.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $27,586
Wash dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Maintain a clean and sanitized kitchen. Work diligently to support the kitchen staff. Important for smooth kitchen operations.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $27,443
Prepare and package takeout orders. Ensure orders are ready on time. Collaborate with kitchen staff to meet demand. Essential for efficient takeout services.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $26,648
Clean and maintain the restaurant's interior and exterior. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work with a team to meet high standards. Key to customer satisfaction.
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Server Assistant
Average Salary: $23,956
Support servers by restocking, cleaning tables, and assisting with service. Work in a team to ensure smooth operations. Important for efficient service flow.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Opelika, AL?

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Amedisys
Average Salary: $76,545
Amedisys offers home health, hospice, and personal care services. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and various growth opportunities.
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Arbor Springs Health
Average Salary: $56,500
Arbor Springs Health provides nursing care and rehabilitation services. They value teamwork and offer a caring workplace.
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Pharmavite LLC
Average Salary: $55,301
Pharmavite LLC makes health and wellness products. They focus on innovation and employee well-being.
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East Alabama Medical Center
Average Salary: $51,541
East Alabama Medical Center is a leading healthcare provider. They offer a wide range of medical services and focus on patient care.
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Moe's Southwest Grill
Average Salary: $48,981
Moe’s Southwest Grill offers Mexican-inspired food. They provide a fun work environment and opportunities for advancement.
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Right At Home
Average Salary: $35,095
Right At Home offers in-home care services. They value their caregivers and provide training and support.
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Cracker Barrel
Average Salary: $29,417
Cracker Barrel is a popular restaurant chain. They offer a family-friendly work environment and various career paths.
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Piggly Wiggly
Average Salary: $27,828
Piggly Wiggly is a grocery store chain. They offer competitive wages and a chance to work in a community-focused setting.
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Americas Thrift Stores
Average Salary: $21,282
Americas Thrift Stores runs a chain of thrift stores. They provide a dynamic work environment and opportunities for growth.
How does the cost of living in Opelika, AL compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Opelika, AL, offers notable savings when compared to the nationwide average. For housing, Opelika stands at 76 on the index scale, which is 24% below the average cost of living. This means residents typically spend less on housing than those in other parts of the country. The cost of groceries in Opelika is slightly above average at 94, which is a modest 4% increase.
Utilities in Opelika are also affordable, priced at 88 on the index, which is 12% less than the average. Transportation costs in Opelika are just a bit higher than the average, at 95 on the index, meaning they are 5% above the national average. Healthcare costs in Opelika are 92 on the index, which is 8% below the average. This makes healthcare more affordable compared to the rest of the country. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses, which include things like entertainment and clothing, are at 90 on the index. This is 10% below the average, offering some savings in these areas as well.



