Auburn vs Birmingham: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,209▲ | $99,982 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.14▲ | $48.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,431 | $69,111▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,241 | $80,349▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,585 | $131,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,719 | $172,798▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Auburn and Birmingham are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $2,227 (2.23%). Auburn's median is -1.24% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $96,288,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, Auburn ($116,235 effective) pays 6.54% 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 Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,209/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,235)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓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 Auburn grew 31.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$75,700 (2019) → $99,590 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
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