Decatur vs Mobile: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Decatur, AL and Mobile, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Mobile, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,212 | $110,645▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.06 | $53.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,223 | $69,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,512 | $82,135▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,327▲ | $140,593 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,537▲ | $170,489 |
| Total Employed | 180 | 790▲ |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Mobile is $4,433 (4.17%). 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 Decatur spans $106,314,Mobile spans $100,855. Decatur 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 3.13% more than Decatur ($121,786 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,537)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,645/year)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓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 Decatur grew 3.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$100,370 (2021) → $103,490 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$90,500 (2019) → $107,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Mobile, 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