Anniston vs Birmingham: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Anniston, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anniston, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,045▲ | $101,695 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.06▲ | $48.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,632▲ | $63,265 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,263▲ | $79,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,758 | $129,679▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,496 | $162,500▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Anniston and Birmingham are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Anniston and Birmingham is $350 (0.34%). Anniston's median is -4.76% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anniston spans $68,864,Birmingham spans $99,235. Birmingham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Anniston ($118,727 effective) pays 6.99% more than Birmingham ($110,967 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anniston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,045/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,727)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,500)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Anniston grew 9.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Anniston, AL
$90,490 (2019) → $99,150 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$79,970 (2019) → $98,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anniston, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Anniston or Birmingham?
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Should I relocate from Anniston to Birmingham as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov