Quantum ML Researcher.
Birmingham.
$165,000
median salary, 17% below the national average
$122,000 to $218,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
If you are evaluating a Quantum ML Researcher offer in Birmingham, AL, here is the reality: $122,000 to $218,000, with $165,000 as the midpoint. 17% below the national average. Quantum ML sits at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, requiring rare expertise in both domains. Do not accept the first number.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $149,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$107,000
to $132,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$140,000
to $173,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$182,000
to $215,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$206,000
to $256,000
Salary trend
+4% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $44,000 to the total package.
Base
$165,000
Equity
$25,000
Bonus
$16,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $209,000
How Birmingham compares
Birmingham, AL
$165,000
Cost of living: 16% below average
National Average
$200,000
Birmingham is $35,000 below
Quantum ML Researcher salary by city
Salary by role in Birmingham
What you should know
The Quantum ML Researcher landscape in Birmingham is not what most salary sites will tell you. Birmingham is Alabama's largest metro, anchored by a major medical center, banking, and a growing innovation district. UAB is one of the state's largest employers and a driver of biomedical research jobs. The extremely low cost of living makes Birmingham a strong value for professionals in healthcare and finance. Quantum ML sits at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, requiring rare expertise in both domains. Researchers with hands-on experience using quantum hardware from IBM, Google, or IonQ earn premiums of 15 to 25%. The field is still largely pre-commercial, so most high-paying roles are at major tech companies or well-funded startups.
Entry-level quantum ML researchers start at $148,000 to $180,000 with a PhD in quantum computing or physics. Researchers with 3 to 5 years earn $200,000 to $265,000. Senior researchers and quantum algorithm leads reach $280,000 to $380,000, while directors of quantum AI programs can command $400,000 to $500,000. In Birmingham, your dollars stretch further. Cost of living runs 16% below the national average, which means even a median salary buys a stronger lifestyle.
Base salary is not the full picture. Quantum computing companies offer equity that can represent 30 to 60% of total compensation, reflecting the high-risk, high-reward nature of the field. Signing bonuses of $40,000 to $80,000 are common, and some firms provide housing stipends in expensive research hub cities. And on the tax side: alabama's top state income tax rate is 5%. Birmingham has no city income tax. The low rate combined with very affordable housing creates excellent take home pay ratios. When someone quotes you $165,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage UAB and the medical corridor when negotiating. Healthcare and biotech roles command nationally competitive salaries even in this low cost market. The range for Quantum ML Researchers in Birmingham runs from $122,000 to $218,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Agentic Orchestrator in Birmingham earns $166,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Birmingham is Chief AI Officer at $263,000
Common questions.
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Other salaries in Birmingham
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