Home / City Job Salaries / Automotive Engineer in Detroit

Automotive Engineer Salary in Detroit, MI

How much does a automotive engineer make in Detroit? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Detroit's cost of living.

Median Salary
$104,420
per year in Detroit
Entry Level
$63,285
Starting salary
Senior Level
$143,446
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Detroit.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,285$104,420$143,446
Monthly$5,274$8,702$11,954
Biweekly$2,434$4,016$5,517
Weekly$1,217$2,008$2,759
Hourly$30$50$69

Detroit vs National Average

How Detroit's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Detroit Salary
$104,420
COL Index: 88
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$7,980
Lower in Detroit

Cost of Living in Detroit

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,100
per month
Median Income
$44,823
per year
Population
639,111
residents
Rent % of Income
29.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Detroit have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+7%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+9%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-4%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+21%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-2%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a automotive engineer salary in Detroit.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Detroit.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Detroit.

Automotive Engineer Salary in Detroit, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Detroit, MI is $104,420 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Detroit's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Detroit can expect to earn around $63,285 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $143,446 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Detroit's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Detroit are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Detroit typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 12.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Detroit, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.