Birmingham vs Opelika: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Opelika, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Opelika, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,982 | $101,772▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.07 | $48.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111 | $74,755▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349 | $83,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182▲ | $130,268 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,798▲ | $157,746 |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Opelika are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Opelika is $1,790 (1.79%). Opelika's median is -1.66% 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,Opelika spans $82,991. 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, Opelika ($115,782 effective) pays 6.13% 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 Opelika if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,772/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,782)
- ✓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 37.4% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$72,163 (2024) → $99,164 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Birmingham or Opelika?
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Should I relocate from Birmingham to Opelika as a civil engineer?
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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