Birmingham vs Florence: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Birmingham, AL and Florence, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Florence, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,695 | $111,678▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.90 | $53.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,265 | $68,030▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,567 | $86,000▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,679 | $138,932▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,500▲ | $156,552 |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Florence are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Florence is $9,983 (9.82%). Florence's median is +4.23% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $99,235,Florence spans $88,522. Birmingham 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, Florence ($131,669 effective) pays 18.66% 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 Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($162,500)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,678/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,669)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Birmingham grew 23.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Florence over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$79,970 (2019) → $98,810 (2025)
Florence, AL
$84,420 (2019) → $108,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Florence, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Birmingham or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Florence?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Florence as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Birmingham vs Florence?
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