Average Civil Engineer Salary in Michigan

Civil Engineers in Michigan earn an average of $90,385 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.7% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$90,385

per year

Hourly Rate

$43.45

per hour

vs National

-5.7%

$95,890 national

Salary Range

$58,248

to $130,454

About Civil Engineer Careers in Michigan

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, and maintain infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, water systems, and buildings. They are the backbone of the built environment, combining principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve complex structural and environmental challenges. Civil engineering encompasses many sub-disciplines — structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction management — each with distinct salary dynamics. The national median annual salary is approximately $95,890, with specialized roles in transportation and energy infrastructure reaching $130,000 and above.

In Michigan, civil engineers earn an average of $90,385 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $58,248 for entry-level roles to $130,454 for the most experienced professionals — +5.7% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by pe licensure — engineers with a pe license earn significantly more and qualify for senior roles, specialization — structural and transportation engineers in high-demand markets earn premiums, and the specific metro area within Michigan.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$90,385

Cost of Living Index

91

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$99,324

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Michigan's cost of living (below average), a Civil Engineer's salary of $90,385 has the purchasing power of $99,324 in an average-cost area.

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Detroit, MI$90,385$43.45/hr$58,248$130,454297

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).

Michigan vs National Average

Civil Engineer Salary Comparison

Michigan Average$90,385
National Average$95,890
Difference-$5,505 (-5.7%)

Employment in Michigan

There are approximately 297 Civil Engineers employed across 1 metro area in Michigan.

Key Industries: Automotive, Manufacturing, Healthcare

State Income Tax: 4.25% flat rate

Civil Engineer Salary Range in Michigan

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$58,248

Starting salary for new Civil Engineers

Median (50th Percentile)

$90,385

Mid-career Civil Engineer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$130,454

Top earners in the field

Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Civil Engineer salaries in Michigan with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Michigan?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Michigan is $90,385 per year ($43.45/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.7% below the national average of $95,890.

What is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Michigan?

Detroit, MI is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Michigan, with a median salary of $90,385 per year.

What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Michigan?

Civil Engineer salaries in Michigan range from $58,248 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $130,454 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $90,385 per year.

About This Data

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Michigan. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.