Birmingham vs Daphne: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Daphne, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Daphne, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,982▲ | $97,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.07▲ | $46.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111▲ | $65,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349 | $81,714▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182▲ | $125,198 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,798▲ | $166,897 |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Daphne.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Daphne is $2,699 (2.77%). 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 Birmingham spans $103,687,Daphne spans $101,162. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($109,098 effective) pays 6.19% more than Daphne ($102,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,798)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,098)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Daphne if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Birmingham grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 61.3% growth in Daphne over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
Daphne, AL
$58,760 (2019) → $94,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Daphne, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Birmingham or Daphne?
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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