Mechanical Engineer Salary in Alabama
State-level salary data from BLS OES and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$100,230
$48.19/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
-4.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$72K – $162K
Mechanical Engineer salary in Alabama averages $97,550 annually, approximately 5% below the national average. The state employs around 5,480 mechanical engineers across various industries. Salaries in this field typically range from $65,530 to $159,030, reflecting the diversity of roles, experience levels, and employer types throughout Alabama's engineering sector.
Several factors influence mechanical engineer compensation in Alabama, including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and company size. Engineers working in manufacturing, aerospace, or automotive industries may earn differently than those in smaller firms. Geographic location within the state, specialized certifications, and individual performance also play significant roles in determining where professionals fall within Alabama's salary range.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,110 |
| 25th percentile | $83,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $100,230 |
| 75th percentile | $128,100 |
| 90th percentile | $162,420 |
Mechanical 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 III | Experienced | $105,000 | 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 Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,780 |
| 2023 | $97,050 |
| 2024 | $97,550 |
| 2025 | $100,230 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,984 |
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 | $97,780 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $97,050 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $97,550 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $100,230 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $102,984 | $108,312 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $83,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $100,230 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $162,420 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Mechanical Engineer ($100,230 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AL | $162,350 | +62.0% | $78.05/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AL | $135,030 | +34.7% | $64.92/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | +32.3% | $63.74/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AL | $127,540 | +27.2% | $61.32/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AL | $125,630 | +25.3% | $60.40/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AL | $107,580 | +7.3% | $51.72/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AL | $102,650 | +2.4% | $49.35/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AL | $99,880 | -0.3% | $48.02/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AL | $99,010 | -1.2% | $47.60/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AL | $85,720 | -14.5% | $41.21/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in AL | $100,820 | +0.6% | $48.47/hr |
| Budget Analyst in AL | $99,490 | -0.7% | $47.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Alabama?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in Alabama is $97,550 per year, or $47 per hour. This is approximately 5.2% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Alabama?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Alabama range from $65,530 at the lower end to $159,030 at the upper end, reflecting variation based on experience, specialization, and employer.
Is mechanical engineering a good paying job in Alabama?
- Yes, with a median salary of $97,550 annually, mechanical engineering offers solid compensation in Alabama. However, the state's median is 5.2% lower than the national average, so you may earn more in other states.
How many mechanical engineers work in Alabama?
- There are approximately 5,480 mechanical engineers employed in Alabama, indicating a substantial job market for this profession in the state.