Birmingham vs Mobile: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical 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 | $117,083▲ | $108,180 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.29▲ | $52.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,989 | $69,311▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,833▲ | $85,221 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,421▲ | $139,451 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,909▲ | $167,799 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 340 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mobile.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Mobile is $8,903 (8.23%). Birmingham's median is -6.36% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $105,920,Mobile spans $98,488. 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 ($127,759 effective) pays 4.04% more than Mobile ($122,795 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 ($117,083/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,909)
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,759)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Mobile if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Birmingham grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Mobile over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$94,330 (2019) → $112,960 (2025)
Mobile, AL
$97,880 (2019) → $104,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Mobile, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Birmingham or Mobile?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Mobile?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Mobile as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Birmingham vs Mobile?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov