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Civil Engineer Salary in Detroit, MI

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

Median Salary
$85,690
per year in Detroit
Entry Level
$52,316
Starting salary
Senior Level
$117,260
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$52,316$85,690$117,260
Monthly$4,360$7,141$9,772
Biweekly$2,012$3,296$4,510
Weekly$1,006$1,648$2,255
Hourly$25$41$56

Detroit vs National Average

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

Detroit Salary
$85,690
COL Index: 88
National Average
$108,750
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$23,060
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 Civil Engineer

Overview

Plan, design, and oversee construction of infrastructure projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Project DesignCADConstruction ManagementInfrastructure Knowledge

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Civil Engineer Salary

See Civil Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$106,130
+24%
Los Angeles, CA
$105,290
+23%
Chicago, IL
$100,280
+17%
Houston, TX
$98,690
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$95,400
+11%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Civil Engineer Salary in Detroit, MI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a civil engineer in Detroit, MI is $85,690 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 civil engineer professionals in Detroit can expect to earn around $52,316 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level civil engineers earning approximately $117,260 per year. This represents a 124% 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 $108,750, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a civil engineer's salary in Detroit typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,100 per month, housing represents about 15.4% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Civil Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% 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.