Mechanical Engineers in Alabama. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
The median Mechanical Engineer in Alabama earned $97,550 in 2024, about 7% below the US median of $104,651. That gap is smaller than you might expect for a lower-cost state, and it narrows further once you factor in what the money actually buys.
Alabama's cost-of-living index sits at 87.3, meaning prices run roughly 13% below the national baseline. In purchasing terms, that $97,550 stretches closer to $111,800 in national-baseline dollars. By that measure, Alabama mechanical engineers come out slightly ahead of their peers in higher-cost states earning a similar nominal wage.
The spread across earners is wide. At the 10th percentile, wages start around $65,530. At the 90th, they reach $159,030. Top earners make roughly 2.4 times what the lowest-paid do. That range reflects real differences in industry, experience, and specialization. Alabama has a substantial aerospace and defense manufacturing base, and roles tied to those sectors tend to sit toward the upper end of the range.
BLS projects employment for Mechanical Engineers to grow 9% nationally between 2024 and 2034, a pace classified as faster than average. Alabama's industrial mix positions it reasonably well to track that trend, though state-level growth figures are not separately published for this occupation.
Salary distribution
Where Alabama mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $83,800 and $128,100, with a median of $100,230.
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Mechanical Engineers pay by experience level in Alabama
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Alabama over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
- 02
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
- 03
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
- 04
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
- 05
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
- 06
Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
- 07
Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
- 08
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+9.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in Alabama
Metro-level salary data for mechanical engineers in major Alabama metropolitan areas.
- Birmingham$98,810
Compare Mechanical Engineers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Alabama with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Alabama?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in Alabama is $100,230.
- How does Alabama compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
- The Alabama median is -6.9% versus the BLS national figure of $107,639.
- What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Alabama?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $72,110 and the 90th-percentile at $162,420, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Mechanical Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 9.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Mechanical Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.