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
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | $90,385 | $43.45/hr | $58,248 | $130,454 | 297 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Michigan vs National Average
Civil Engineer Salary Comparison
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
Related Occupations in Michigan
Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Civil Engineer salaries in Michigan with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Michigan Data
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.