Anniston vs Birmingham: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Anniston, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anniston, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,849 | $99,982▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.00 | $48.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,295 | $69,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,379 | $80,349▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,677 | $131,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,878 | $172,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Anniston.
The salary gap between Anniston and Birmingham is $133 (0.13%). Birmingham's median is -3.39% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $92,583,Birmingham spans $103,687. Birmingham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anniston ($116,172 effective) pays 6.48% more than Birmingham ($109,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anniston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,172)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,798)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Anniston grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Anniston, AL
$80,720 (2019) → $97,290 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anniston, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov