Huntsville vs Madison: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Huntsville, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,087▲ | $110,255 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.95▲ | $53.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,538▲ | $72,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,801▲ | $85,623 |
| 75th Percentile | $176,661▲ | $140,044 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,727▲ | $168,052 |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Madison is $24,832 (22.52%). Huntsville's median is +8.04% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $127,189,Madison spans $95,948. Huntsville 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, Huntsville ($145,142 effective) pays 15.71% more than Madison ($125,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,727)
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,142)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Huntsville grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Madison over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$101,780 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Madison, AL
$83,988 (2024) → $106,372 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Huntsville or Madison?
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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