Engineering Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Chemical Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median chemical engineer salary in Detroit, MI is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.1% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$98,822
vs State Avg
$-2,125
vs National
$-7,438
Cost of Living
88%

Chemical Engineer Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median chemical engineer salary of $98,822, which is $2,125 below the Michigan state average of $100,947. Compared to the national median of $106,260, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $98,822 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $112,298 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for chemical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Detroit spans from $63,240 at the 10th percentile to $159,960 at the 90th percentile — a $96,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,100, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $150,660. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $65,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,100
$-4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $78,120
Median (50th) $98,822
75th Percentile $128,340
90th Percentile $159,960

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$116,886
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$100,947
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$98,822
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$96,697
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Detroit

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $98,822 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $159,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,822, a chemical engineer in Detroit earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Detroit's median chemical engineer salary of $98,822 is 2.1% below the Michigan state average of $100,947. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a chemical engineer salary of $98,822 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Detroit? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Detroit require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.