Birmingham vs Mobile: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,982 | $110,645▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.07 | $53.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111 | $69,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349 | $82,135▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182 | $140,593▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,798▲ | $170,489 |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 790 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Mobile are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Mobile is $10,663 (10.66%). Mobile's median is +6.91% 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,Mobile spans $100,855. 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, Mobile ($125,593 effective) pays 15.12% 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 Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,798)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,645/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,593)
- ✓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 19.1% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$90,500 (2019) → $107,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Birmingham or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Mobile as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Birmingham vs Mobile?
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