Birmingham vs Decatur: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,982 | $106,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.07 | $51.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,111▲ | $67,223 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349▲ | $78,512 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182 | $142,327▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,798 | $173,537▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Decatur, AL offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Birmingham.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $6,230 (6.23%). Decatur's median is +2.63% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $103,687,Decatur spans $106,314. Decatur has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Decatur ($121,786 effective) pays 11.63% more than Birmingham ($109,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,537)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,786)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Birmingham grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.1% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$76,140 (2019) → $97,420 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$100,370 (2021) → $103,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Birmingham or Decatur?
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Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov