Trades & Labor Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Solar Installer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median solar installer salary in Detroit, MI is $41,950 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$41,950
vs State Avg
$-953
vs National
$-5,720
Cost of Living
88%

Solar Installer Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median solar installer salary of $41,950, which is $953 below the Michigan state average of $42,903. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 $41,950 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $47,670 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for solar installers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for solar installers in Detroit spans from $28,160 at the 10th percentile to $63,360 at the 90th percentile — a $35,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,920, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,840. 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.

Solar Installer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level solar installer earns around $29,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,120
$-5,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,840
$-8,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $28,160
25th Percentile $33,440
Median (50th) $41,950
75th Percentile $52,800
90th Percentile $63,360

Solar Installer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$50,054
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$42,903
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$41,950
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$40,996
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Solar Installer in Detroit

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open solar installer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Detroit

How much does a Solar Installer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $41,950 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $28,160 (10th percentile) to $63,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,950, a solar installer in Detroit earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Detroit's median solar installer salary of $41,950 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $42,903. 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 solar installer salary of $41,950 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Detroit? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Detroit require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.