Engineering Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Civil Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median civil engineer salary in Detroit, MI is $83,644 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.1% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$83,644
vs State Avg
$-1,799
vs National
$-6,296
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median civil engineer salary of $83,644, which is $1,799 below the Michigan state average of $85,443. Compared to the national median of $89,940, 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 $83,644 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,050 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for civil engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for civil engineers in Detroit spans from $56,172 at the 10th percentile to $128,898 at the 90th percentile — a $72,726 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,660, while senior civil engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $120,900. 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.

Civil Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $57,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $120,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,660
$-4,340 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,700
$-6,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$120,900
$-9,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $56,172
25th Percentile $68,076
Median (50th) $83,644
75th Percentile $106,020
90th Percentile $128,898

Civil Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$98,934
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$85,443
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$83,644
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$81,845
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Detroit

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Civil Engineer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open civil engineer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $83,644 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $56,172 (10th percentile) to $128,898 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,644, a civil engineer in Detroit earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for civil engineer pay? ▼
Detroit's median civil engineer salary of $83,644 is 2.1% below the Michigan state average of $85,443. 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 civil engineer salary of $83,644 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a civil engineer in Detroit? ▼
Most civil engineer positions in Detroit require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD, Structural Analysis, Project Management, GIS. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.