Business & Finance Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Economist Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median economist salary in Detroit, MI is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$100,267
vs State Avg
$-2,279
vs National
$-13,673
Cost of Living
88%

Economist Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median economist salary of $100,267, which is $2,279 below the Michigan state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 $100,267 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $113,940 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for economists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for economists in Detroit spans from $54,560 at the 10th percentile to $174,240 at the 90th percentile — a $119,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. 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.

Economist Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level economist earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $54,560
25th Percentile $72,160
Median (50th) $100,267
75th Percentile $136,400
90th Percentile $174,240

Economist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$119,637
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$102,546
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$100,267
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$97,988
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Economist in Detroit

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Detroit

Browse open economist positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Detroit

How much does a Economist make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median economist salary in Detroit, Michigan is $100,267 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $54,560 (10th percentile) to $174,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $100,267, a economist 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 economist pay? ▼
Detroit's median economist salary of $100,267 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $102,546. 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 economist salary of $100,267 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Detroit? ▼
Most economist positions in Detroit require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.