Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median aerospace engineer salary in Michigan is $120,536 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $126,880.

Median Salary
$120,536
vs National
$-6,344
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Aerospace Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for aerospace engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $120,536 per year, aerospace engineers in Michigan earn $6,344 less than the national median of $126,880.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $120,536 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $133,929 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: aerospace engineers at the 10th percentile earn $74,100, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $182,400 — a $108,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $139,568.

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for aerospace engineers across the country.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,750 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,750
$-9,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $74,100
25th Percentile $95,000
Median (50th) $120,536
75th Percentile $152,000
90th Percentile $182,400

Aerospace Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for aerospace engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Michigan

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Michigan has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Michigan is $120,536 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $74,100 (10th percentile) to $182,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,536, a aerospace engineer in Michigan earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for aerospace engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level aerospace engineers earn $76,000, while senior professionals earn $175,750.
How does Michigan compare to other states for aerospace engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for aerospace engineers is Hawaii at $215,696. Michigan's median of $120,536 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($121,805) and Illinois ($120,536).
What is the entry-level aerospace engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level aerospace engineer in Michigan earns approximately $76,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $175,750.
What city in Michigan pays aerospace engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for aerospace engineers, with a median salary of $139,568. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.