Auburn vs Birmingham: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Auburn, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,157▲ | $101,695 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.60▲ | $48.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,684▲ | $63,265 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,703▲ | $79,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,689 | $129,679▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,911▲ | $162,500 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 780▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, AL offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Auburn and Birmingham is $1,462 (1.44%). Auburn's median is -3.73% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $104,227,Birmingham spans $99,235. Auburn 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, Auburn ($117,313 effective) pays 5.72% 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 Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,911)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,313)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓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 Auburn grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$91,620 (2019) → $100,230 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$79,970 (2019) → $98,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Auburn or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Birmingham as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Auburn vs Birmingham?
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