Engineering Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Environmental Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median environmental engineer salary in Detroit, MI is $90,043 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.1% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$90,043
vs State Avg
$-1,936
vs National
$-6,777
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median environmental engineer salary of $90,043, which is $1,936 below the Michigan state average of $91,979. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 $90,043 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $102,322 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for environmental engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for environmental engineers in Detroit spans from $56,730 at the 10th percentile to $137,640 at the 90th percentile — a $80,910 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,520, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $132,060. 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.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $59,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $132,060 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,520
$-4,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
$-6,860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$132,060
$-9,940 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $56,730
25th Percentile $70,680
Median (50th) $90,043
75th Percentile $113,460
90th Percentile $137,640

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$106,502
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$91,979
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$90,043
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$88,106
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Detroit

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Detroit, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $90,043 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $56,730 (10th percentile) to $137,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,043, a environmental engineer in Detroit earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Detroit's median environmental engineer salary of $90,043 is 2.1% below the Michigan state average of $91,979. 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 environmental engineer salary of $90,043 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Detroit? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Detroit require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.