Civil Engineer Salary in Alabama
Based on 5K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$99,010
$47.60/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
-0.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$64K – $168K
5K employed in Alabama
Civil engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $98,100 per year, which is 1% above the national average. With approximately 5,920 civil engineers employed throughout the state, this represents a stable career field for professionals in infrastructure, construction, and public works projects. Alabama's median compensation reflects competitive opportunities for experienced engineers across various sectors.
Several factors influence civil engineer salary in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialization area. Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects or in metropolitan regions typically earn toward the higher end of the $64,640 to $162,160 salary range. Industry sector, employer size, and professional licensure also play significant roles in determining individual compensation levels within the state.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,930 |
| 25th percentile | $77,750 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,010 |
| 75th percentile | $128,900 |
| 90th percentile | $168,370 |
Top H-1B Employers for Civil Engineer in Alabama
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Alabama — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Alabama | 3 | $66,331 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Civil Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Alabama
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Alabama.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $67,912 | 5 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,930 |
| 2023 | $91,670 |
| 2024 | $98,100 |
| 2025 | $99,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,928 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $83,930 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $91,670 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $98,100 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $99,010 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $99,928 | $100,071 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,750 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,370 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Civil Engineer ($99,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AL | $162,350 | +64.0% | $78.05/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AL | $135,030 | +36.4% | $64.92/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | +33.9% | $63.74/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AL | $127,540 | +28.8% | $61.32/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AL | $125,630 | +26.9% | $60.40/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AL | $107,580 | +8.7% | $51.72/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AL | $102,650 | +3.7% | $49.35/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AL | $100,230 | +1.2% | $48.19/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AL | $99,880 | +0.9% | $48.02/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AL | $85,720 | -13.4% | $41.21/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AL | $99,490 | +0.5% | $47.83/hr |
| Logistician in AL | $98,450 | -0.6% | $47.33/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do civil engineers make in Alabama?
- Civil engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $98,100 per year, or $47 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a 1.2% increase compared to civil engineers nationwide.
What is the salary range for civil engineers in Alabama?
- Civil engineer salaries in Alabama range from $64,640 at the lower end to $162,160 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type across the state.
Is the civil engineer salary in Alabama competitive compared to the nation?
- Yes, Alabama's civil engineer median salary of $98,100 is competitive, sitting 1.2% above the national average. This makes it an attractive location for civil engineers seeking competitive compensation.
How many civil engineers are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 5,920 civil engineers currently employed in Alabama. This represents a substantial workforce in the state's engineering sector.