Considering a job in the Great Lakes State? The median household income in Michigan is $72,389 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In comparison, the median household income nationwide is $83,730.
Of course, the amount you bring home will depend on a number of factors, including your job, where you live, and your age. Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent data, the median household income in Michigan is $72,389.
• The average salary by age in Michigan ranges from $41,222 to $86,768.
• Your income shifts depending on where you are in your career and generally peaks between the ages of 45 and 54.
• Median salaries can vary widely depending on the city and county you live in.
• Professions such as surgeons, psychiatrists, and architectural and engineering managers have some of the highest average salaries in Michigan.
Average Salary in Michigan by Age in 2026
When it comes to earning potential, your age — and by extension, experience level — play a role. According to a study by ADP Research, your income typically peaks between the ages of 45 and 54.
Findings from Neilsberg show that Michigan workers aged 45 to 64 have the highest median annual household income ($86,768), followed by those aged 25 to 44 ($79,938). The median annual income for those aged 65 and older is $54,099. People under the age of 25 have the lowest median annual household income ($41,222), 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 2026
Where you live can also impact how much you earn. As the chart below shows, workers in some Michigan cities may be earning more than those in other cities. In Livonia, for instance, the median annual wage is more than $20,000 higher than the state median.
But well-paying jobs can be found in smaller cities, too. In South Lyon, for example, the median salary is $92,467 a year. Tools such as a budget planner app can help you make the most of whatever your take-home pay is.
Below is a list of Michigan cities and the median salaries of their residents.
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sterling Heights | $79,909 |
| Detroit | $39,938 |
| Lansing | $54,382 |
| Flint | $37,646 |
| Holland | $75,865 |
| Livonia | $98,460 |
| Saginaw | $38,579 |
| Warren | $64,016 |
| South Lyon | $92,467 |
| Kalamazoo | $52,272 |
Median Salary in Michigan by County
Salaries don’t just vary by city. They can also differ from county to county. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, median family incomes in Michigan’s southern and southeastern counties — as well as those near large cities such as Detroit — tend to be higher than in other parts of the state.
Here’s a look at the median household incomes of the 10 most populous counties in Michigan.
| County | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Livingston County | $103,039 |
| Oakland County | $97,760 |
| Washtenaw County | $89,180 |
| Ottawa County | $90,502 |
| Kent County | $82,631 |
| Macomb County | $77,837 |
| Kalamazoo County | $72,532 |
| Ingham County | $65,526 |
| Genesee County | $62,281 |
| Wayne County | $60,539 |
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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 tech and health care hub. Not surprisingly, some of the highest-paying jobs in the state can be found in the engineering, management, technology, and health care sectors, including some that pay six-figure salaries, as the table below shows.
| Profession | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Surgeon | $498,340 |
| Psychiatrist | $262,020 |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist | $230,120 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $160,860 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $162,100 |
| Compensation and Benefits Manager | $161,150 |
| Nuclear Engineer | $133,580 |
| Financial Manager | $153,860 |
| Public Relations Manager | $127,700 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $120,990 |
The Takeaway
The typical worker in Michigan may not be drawing a six-figure salary, and their median household income of $72,389 may be lower than the national median income, but 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 should cover basic living expenses with enough left over for savings and some entertainment. While what counts as a good salary is subjective, research suggests that for a single person to live comfortably in Michigan, they would need an annual income of $84,365.
What is the average gross salary in Michigan?
The median household income in Michigan is $72,389 per year. This works out to about $6,070 per month.
What is the average hourly wage in Michigan?
The average hourly wage in Michigan is $30.35, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What is a livable wage in Michigan?
According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a livable wage for a single adult in Michigan is $45,905. 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 would need $53,580 a year to make ends meet.
What jobs in Michigan earn six-figure salaries?
Some workers in the tech and health care industries earn six-figure salaries. These include surgeons, psychiatrists, and computer and information systems managers.
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