Engineering Michigan (MI) Rank #25 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median mechanical engineer salary in Michigan is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$91,495
vs National
$-4,815
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Michigan falls in the middle of the pack for mechanical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $91,495 per year, mechanical engineers in Michigan earn $4,815 less than the national median of $96,310.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $91,495 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $101,661 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $60,230, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $138,890 — a $78,660 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 $105,941.

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for mechanical engineers across the country.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
$-6,900 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $60,230
25th Percentile $74,860
Median (50th) $91,495
75th Percentile $113,620
90th Percentile $138,890

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for mechanical 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 Mechanical Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Michigan

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Michigan's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Michigan is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $60,230 (10th percentile) to $138,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,495, a mechanical engineer in Michigan earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #25 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $61,750, while senior professionals earn $131,100.
How does Michigan compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Michigan's median of $91,495 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($92,458) and Illinois ($91,495).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Michigan earns approximately $61,750 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $91,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,100.
What city in Michigan pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $105,941. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.