RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Architects salary in Detroit, Michigan

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Detroit metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$83,800
Mean annual$95,120
Range (10th to 90th)$57,440 to $138,360
Detroit, Michigan employment1,560
State vs national-10.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Detroit architects fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$57,44025TH$72,620MEDIAN$83,80075TH$106,62090TH$138,360

The middle 50% of workers earn between $72,620 and $106,620, with a median of $83,800.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    Internship/residency

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Visualization

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Public Safety and Security

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Operations Analysis

    Technical

    4.0 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Speaking

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure or details for its construction.

  2. 02

    Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.

  3. 03

    Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.

  4. 04

    Consult with clients to determine functional or spatial requirements of structures.

  5. 05

    Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.

  6. 06

    Integrate engineering elements into unified architectural designs.

  7. 07

    Monitor the work of specialists, such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, interior designers, or sound specialists to ensure optimal form or function of designs or final structures.

  8. 08

    Plan layouts of structural architectural projects.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Architects

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Architects in Detroit, Michigan?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Architects in the Detroit metropolitan area is $83,800.
Does Detroit pay more than the Michigan state average for Architects?
The Detroit metro median is +2.0% versus the Michigan state median of $82,170.
How does Detroit compare to the national median for Architects?
The Detroit metro median is -10.5% versus the BLS national figure of $93,633.
What is the salary range for Architects in Detroit?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $57,440 and the 90th-percentile at $138,360 for the Detroit metro area.
What education is required for Architects?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Detroit CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.