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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Mechanical Engineers 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$104,420
Mean annual$109,660
Range (10th to 90th)$77,220 to $147,830
Detroit, Michigan employment19,740
State vs national-0.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Detroit mechanical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$77,22025TH$84,080MEDIAN$104,42075TH$130,19090TH$147,830

The middle 50% of workers earn between $84,080 and $130,190, with a median of $104,420.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.9 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.6 / 5
  • Mechanical

    Knowledge

    4.4 / 5
  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.

  2. 02

    Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.

  3. 03

    Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.

  4. 04

    Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.

  5. 05

    Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.

  6. 06

    Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.

  7. 07

    Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.

  8. 08

    Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Mechanical Engineers in Detroit, Michigan?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers in the Detroit metropolitan area is $104,420.
Does Detroit pay more than the Michigan state average for Mechanical Engineers?
The Detroit metro median is +1.6% versus the Michigan state median of $102,730.
How does Detroit compare to the national median for Mechanical Engineers?
The Detroit metro median is -0.2% versus the BLS national figure of $104,651.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers in Detroit?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $77,220 and the 90th-percentile at $147,830 for the Detroit metro area.
What education is required for Mechanical Engineers?
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.