Technology Michigan (MI) Rank #32 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median data engineer salary in Michigan is $112,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$112,500
vs National
$-12,500
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #32 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. Data Engineer salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $112,500 per year, data engineers in Michigan earn $12,500 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $112,500 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $70,200, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $171,000 — a $100,800 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 $131,250.

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Michigan and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level data engineer earns around $72,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$114,300
$-12,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
$-18,000 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $112,500+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $70,200
25th Percentile $90,000
Median (50th) $112,500
75th Percentile $142,200
90th Percentile $171,000

Data Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for data 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 Data Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Data Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $49,500 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Data Engineer Roles in Michigan?

Get matched with recruiters hiring data engineers in Michigan at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Data Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median data engineer salary in Michigan is $112,500 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $70,200 (10th percentile) to $171,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,500, a data engineer in Michigan earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for data engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #32 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $72,000, while senior professionals earn $162,000.
How does Michigan compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. Michigan's median of $112,500 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($115,000) and Montana ($113,750).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in Michigan earns approximately $72,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $114,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $162,000.
What city in Michigan pays data engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for data engineers, with a median salary of $131,250. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.