Engineering Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median mechanical engineer salary in Birmingham, AL is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$86,679
vs State Avg
+$2,889
vs National
$-9,631
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679, which is $2,889 above the Alabama state average of $83,790. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Birmingham spans from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $131,580 at the 90th percentile — a $74,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$88,605
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$84,753
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$82,827
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$81,864
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Birmingham

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Birmingham, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Birmingham earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Birmingham's median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $83,790. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Birmingham? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Birmingham require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.