Considering a job in the Great Lakes State? A typical worker in Michigan earns around $58,000 a year, according to a 2024 Forbes analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In comparison, the average annual salary nationwide is slightly higher, at $59,428.
Of course, the amount you bring home will depend on a number of factors, including the type of job you have, where you live, and your age. Let’s take a closer look.
Average Salary in Michigan by Age in 2023
When it comes to earning potential, your age — and by extension, experience level — play a role. As the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows, workers aged 45 to 64 have the highest median household income ($82,652), followed by those aged 25 to 44 ($75,984). The median income for those 65 and older is around $51,010. At $40,683, people under the age of 25 have the lowest median household income, which is perhaps indicative of the entry-level salaries this age group often earns.
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Average Salary in Michigan by City in 2023
Where you live can also impact how much you earn. As the chart below shows, workers in some Michigan cities may be making out better than others. In Sterling Heights, for instance, the average wage is 28.0% higher than the state average.
But well-paying jobs can be found in smaller cities, too. Career opportunities are expanding in South Lyon, for example, and with it, wages: The average salary is $65,369 a year. Tools like a budget planner app can help you make the most of whatever your take-home pay is.
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sterling Heights | $74,878 |
| Detroit | $71,156 |
| Lansing | $68,755 |
| Flint | $68,679 |
| Holland | $68,668 |
| Livonia | $67,785 |
| Saginaw | $66,875 |
| Warren | $65,729 |
| South Lyon | $65,369 | Kalamazoo | $64,846 |
Source: ZipRecruiter
Median Salary in Michigan by County
Salaries don’t just vary by city. They can also differ from county to county. According to Census Bureau data, median family incomes in Michigan’s southern and southeastern counties — as well as those near large cities like Detroit — tend to be higher than in other parts of the state.
Here’s a look at the median household incomes of the ten most-populous counties in Michigan.
| County | Household Median Income |
|---|---|
| Livingston County | $96,135 |
| Oakland County | $92,620 |
| Washtenaw County | $84,245 |
| Ottawa County | $83,932 |
| Kent County | $76,247 |
| Macomb County | $73,876 |
| Kalamazoo County | $67,905 |
| Ingham County | $62,548 |
| Genesee County | $58,594 | Wayne County | $57,223 |
Source: Census Bureau
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Examples of the Highest Paying Jobs in Michigan
Michigan has long burnished its reputation as a center for auto manufacturing, but it’s also cementing its status as a hub for tech and healthcare. Not surprisingly, some of the highest-paying jobs in the state can be found in the engineering, management, technology, and healthcare sectors.
As the list below shows, some of the top-paying positions require specialized training or advanced degrees, while others may be a good job for introverts.
| Profession | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Surgeons | $340,670 |
| Psychiatrists | $246,710 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $240,620 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $159,360 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $157,050 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $156,340 |
| Financial Managers | $147,550 |
| Pharmacists | $128,860 |
| Public Relations Managers | $125,320 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $119,610 |
Source: BLS
The Takeaway
The typical worker in Michigan may not be drawing a six-figure salary, but their take-home pay of $58,000 is near the national average. Plus, the cost of living in the Great Lakes State — think transportation, utilities, groceries, and housing — is lower than the national average. Keep in mind that as with other states, your take-home pay in Michigan will vary depending on a number of factors, including where you live, the type of work you do, and where you are in your career.
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FAQ
What is a good average salary in Michigan?
A “good” average salary is one that can cover basic living expenses with enough left over for savings and some fun. For a single adult in Michigan, a salary of more than $54,000 a year may qualify as “good.”
What is the average gross salary in Michigan?
The average salary in Michigan in 2024 is $58,000.
What is the average income per person in Michigan?
The average income per person in MIchigan is $27.88 per hour, or $58,000 per year, according to a 2024 Forbes analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What is a livable wage in Michigan?
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a livable wage for a single adult in Michigan is $42,182. But if you live in a household with multiple people, you’ll likely need more money. For instance, if you and your significant other both work and have two children, you could make ends meet on $53,622 a year.
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