Mobile vs Vestavia Hills: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Mobile, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mobile, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,645▲ | $96,010 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.19▲ | $46.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,634▲ | $66,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,135▲ | $76,395 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,593▲ | $122,370 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,489▲ | $148,817 |
| Total Employed | 790▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Mobile, AL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vestavia Hills.
The salary gap between Mobile and Vestavia Hills is $14,635 (15.24%). 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 Mobile spans $100,855,Vestavia Hills spans $82,033. Mobile 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 14.98% more than Vestavia Hills ($109,226 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,645/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,489)
- ✓Larger job market (790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,593)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Mobile grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Mobile, AL
$90,500 (2019) → $107,810 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$71,729 (2024) → $93,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mobile, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Mobile or Vestavia Hills?
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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