Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham, AL, can expect an average annual salary of $102,570. This figure is slightly below the national average of $109,640, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand within Birmingham play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $102,570 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $157,910.
- Outlook: Birmingham's Mechanical Engineering job market features a local workforce of 870 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the concentration of Mechanical Engineers is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated market. The rate of 1.674 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham, AL earns-6.4%below the national average.
$49.3
$1,973
$8,548
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Birmingham is not provided, Mechanical Engineer salaries nationwide have generally seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand across various sectors. It is reasonable to assume that Birmingham's market has mirrored this trend, with compensation likely experiencing a steady upward trajectory.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and specialized skills command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior compensation reflects the significant value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven performance in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $60,630 | $29.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $76,928 | $37 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $94,430 | $45.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $128,213 | $61.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $157,910 | $75.9 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$102,570
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$102,570
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average salary of $102,570 in Birmingham, AL, is precisely aligned with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Birmingham is comparable to the national average, offering a balanced financial landscape for professionals considering a move to the area.
Job Market Context
870
Total Jobs
1.674
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.90x the national average concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that Birmingham has a slightly lower concentration of Mechanical Engineers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not overly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled engineers without facing intense competition from a disproportionately large local talent pool.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Mechanical Engineers Salary | $117,360↑ 14% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $92,520↓ 10% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $99,210↓ 3% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $87,360↓ 15% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,620↑ 4% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham, AL is $102,570. This typically ranges from $60,630 for entry-level positions to $157,910 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 6.4% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, with caveats.Birmingham offers a solid average salary of $102,570, which aligns perfectly with the national cost of living. While slightly below the national average salary, the stable job market and cost-of-living parity make it a financially sound location.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($117,360) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham, AL, is $102,570, which is slightly lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL for Mechanical Engineers?
Birmingham's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would on average across the United States.
How concentrated is the Mechanical Engineer job market in Birmingham?
The Location Quotient for Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham is 0.9, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
What is the total number of Mechanical Engineers in Birmingham?
There are approximately 870 Mechanical Engineers working in Birmingham, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 870 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 1.674 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL