Padilla Escabi studied in the school's public system and then earned a BA in agriculture and mechanical arts from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, where he joined Phi Sigma Alpha fraternity.

Salvador Padilla began his military career in the United States Army Reserve in 1942 making it to the rank of Sergeant.

Mayor General Salvador M. Padilla Escabi was the founder of the Language Center at Fort Allen, Puerto Rico.

He was inducted to the United States Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

•Air rights : potencial uses of air space in Puerto Rico above and below public transportation routes by Salvador M. Padilla y Asociados.

•San Juan Metropolitan Area Transportation Study : highway plan update 1995 by Salvador M. Padilla y Asociados.