Michigan salaries by occupation
The median worker in Michigan earned $48,300 a year in 2024, about $23.22 an hour, 2.4% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 694 occupations.
Median pay $48,300 $23.22 per hour
Vs national median -2.4% U.S. $49,500
Workers 4,390,620 wage and salary
Occupations reported 694 with at least 100 employed
What Michigan is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool and Die Makers | 5.86× | 9,190 | $64,030 |
| Statistical Assistants | 5.52× | 930 | $48,210 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 5.13× | 5,470 | $63,130 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 4.85× | 5,300 | $50,040 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 4.68× | 1,700 | $44,520 |
| Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators | 4.53× | 720 | $51,590 |
| Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4.38× | 21,760 | $46,470 |
| Craft Artists | 4.36× | 540 | $26,640 |
| Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 4.22× | 4,360 | $40,470 |
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | 4.13× | 18,240 | $38,450 |
Metro areas in Michigan
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 16 Michigan metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor | $51,990 | $25.00 | 217,820 | #51 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $50,740 | $24.39 | 1,909,060 | #63 |
| Midland | $50,650 | $24.35 | 37,870 | #64 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $50,620 | $24.34 | 213,610 | #65 |
| Battle Creek | $48,200 | $23.17 | 53,610 | #134 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood | $47,510 | $22.84 | 561,410 | #164 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | $47,360 | $22.77 | 119,780 | #170 |
| Jackson | $46,710 | $22.46 | 56,310 | #193 |
| Traverse City | $46,530 | $22.37 | 67,200 | #202 |
| Monroe | $46,220 | $22.22 | 40,800 | #212 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | $45,800 | $22.02 | 131,060 | #232 |
| Saginaw | $45,630 | $21.94 | 79,670 | #235 |
| Niles | $45,180 | $21.72 | 59,670 | #253 |
| Flint | $45,010 | $21.64 | 133,920 | #261 |
| Muskegon-Norton Shores | $43,140 | $20.74 | 62,510 | #311 |
| Bay City | $41,940 | $20.17 | 33,370 | #331 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetists | $234,520 | $112.75 | 2,960 | #1 of 25 |
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $227,270 | $109.26 | 1,810 | #5 of 15 |
| Family Medicine Physicians | $219,990 | $105.76 | 4,400 | #14 of 23 |
| Chief Executives | $219,230 | $105.40 | 3,940 | #5 of 33 |
| Physicians, All Other | $197,950 | $95.17 | 14,570 | #15 of 18 |
| Pediatricians, General | $182,040 | $87.52 | 770 | #31 of 37 |
| Dentists, General | $177,080 | $85.13 | 3,920 | #19 of 46 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $167,560 | n/a | 350 | #2 of 22 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $163,000 | $78.37 | 14,030 | #22 of 49 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $159,290 | $76.58 | 15,840 | #25 of 49 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $139,670 | $67.15 | 470 | #15 of 33 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $137,890 | $66.29 | 180 | #9 of 22 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 124,340 | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 114,880 | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Retail Salespersons | 111,210 | $33,340 | $16.03 |
| Registered Nurses | 104,210 | $85,670 | $41.19 |
| Cashiers | 89,450 | $29,190 | $14.03 |
| Office Clerks, General | 89,290 | $43,950 | $21.13 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 88,690 | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| General and Operations Managers | 86,000 | $99,660 | $47.91 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 83,960 | $33,410 | $16.06 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 69,830 | $42,560 | $20.46 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Michigan
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 92
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $109,230
- Power Plant Operators $103,880
- Gas Plant Operators $98,320
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $87,390
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $78,370
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $67,450
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $67,320
- Tool and Die Makers $64,030
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $62,040
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $58,470
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $58,200
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $57,690
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $55,070
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $54,360
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians $53,570
- Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators $51,590
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,950
- Medical Appliance Technicians $50,950
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $50,160
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $50,040
- Machinists $49,930
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $49,930
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $49,450
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $48,930
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $48,720
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,510
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,320
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $48,250
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $48,070
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,660
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $47,280
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,900
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,760
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $46,640
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $46,630
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,470
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,470
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $46,290
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,280
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $46,180
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $46,020
- Printing Press Operators $45,870
- Furniture Finishers $45,770
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,690
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $45,310
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $45,270
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $45,080
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $44,520
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $44,310
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $44,190
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,890
- Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,870
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $43,770
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,570
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,410
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $43,310
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $43,250
- Upholsterers $43,120
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $43,040
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $42,520
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $42,440
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $42,390
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $42,360
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,350
- Etchers and Engravers $42,320
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $41,870
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $41,600
- Woodworkers, All Other $41,430
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $41,330
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,470
- Helpers--Production Workers $40,040
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $40,010
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $39,940
- Tire Builders $39,500
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $39,490
- Food Batchmakers $39,290
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $39,110
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $38,850
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $38,140
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $38,090
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,000
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $37,900
- Sewing Machine Operators $37,600
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $37,550
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $36,890
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $36,080
- Bakers $35,730
- Production Workers, All Other $35,730
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $34,900
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $34,830
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $34,420
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $32,800
Education and library 60
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $167,560
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $130,630
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $126,050
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $123,840
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $108,180
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $105,790
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $105,200
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $104,770
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $102,730
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $100,730
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $100,650
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $100,550
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,110
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $98,920
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $98,910
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $96,070
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $90,950
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $89,550
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $86,230
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $85,340
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $84,810
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $84,540
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $82,130
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $80,740
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $80,310
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $79,830
- Instructional Coordinators $78,460
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $77,180
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $76,760
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $76,590
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $75,820
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $75,520
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $73,970
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $73,900
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $73,630
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $71,260
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $65,340
- Curators $64,030
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $64,000
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $63,950
- Farm and Home Management Educators $62,410
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $62,350
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $62,230
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $62,210
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $61,760
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $61,740
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,560
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $59,520
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $59,260
- Archivists $53,590
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $48,020
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $46,940
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $38,450
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $38,360
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $38,140
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $36,720
- Tutors $35,870
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $34,770
- Library Technicians $34,320
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $30,960
Healthcare practitioners 51
- Nurse Anesthetists $234,520
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $227,270
- Family Medicine Physicians $219,990
- Physicians, All Other $197,950
- Pediatricians, General $182,040
- Dentists, General $177,080
- Pharmacists $136,070
- Physician Assistants $131,980
- Optometrists $131,700
- Medical Dosimetrists $130,840
- Nurse Practitioners $125,620
- Nurse Midwives $116,810
- Veterinarians $112,320
- Physical Therapists $98,960
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $89,300
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $88,000
- Audiologists $87,530
- Radiation Therapists $86,750
- Registered Nurses $85,670
- Occupational Therapists $84,480
- Speech-Language Pathologists $81,860
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $81,790
- Dental Hygienists $80,990
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $80,300
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $78,480
- Chiropractors $78,440
- Respiratory Therapists $77,460
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $76,530
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $75,910
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $72,550
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $68,480
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $64,530
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $63,810
- Recreational Therapists $63,200
- Surgical Technologists $62,320
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $58,610
- Athletic Trainers $58,550
- Surgical Assistants $55,630
- Exercise Physiologists $53,150
- Paramedics $50,320
- Therapists, All Other $49,640
- Medical Records Specialists $48,220
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $47,550
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $47,150
- Hearing Aid Specialists $46,680
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $45,070
- Pharmacy Technicians $40,040
- Opticians, Dispensing $39,870
- Psychiatric Technicians $39,230
- Emergency Medical Technicians $38,890
- Dietetic Technicians $35,330
Office and administrative support 50
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $65,400
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $64,020
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $64,000
- Postal Service Clerks $63,270
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $62,930
- Brokerage Clerks $62,920
- Meter Readers, Utilities $57,610
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,450
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $56,030
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $55,740
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $54,690
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $49,320
- Word Processors and Typists $48,530
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $48,380
- Statistical Assistants $48,210
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $47,980
- New Accounts Clerks $47,830
- Cargo and Freight Agents $47,750
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $47,680
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $47,240
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $47,030
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $46,750
- Procurement Clerks $46,470
- Billing and Posting Clerks $46,070
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $46,020
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $45,960
- Financial Clerks, All Other $45,160
- Order Clerks $45,100
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $44,880
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $44,570
- Office Clerks, General $43,950
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $43,870
- Bill and Account Collectors $43,670
- File Clerks $42,640
- Customer Service Representatives $42,560
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $42,220
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $41,610
- Gambling Cage Workers $41,270
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $40,050
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $39,380
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $38,900
- Data Entry Keyers $38,570
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $38,070
- Tellers $37,840
- Couriers and Messengers $37,130
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $36,770
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,340
- Library Assistants, Clerical $33,530
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $33,290
Installation, maintenance and repair 45
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $108,450
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $103,310
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $92,100
- Millwrights $83,240
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $80,040
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $77,340
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $69,370
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $65,840
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $65,460
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $64,650
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $63,920
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $63,390
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $63,030
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $62,170
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $60,920
- Medical Equipment Repairers $60,480
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $60,090
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,990
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $59,960
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $59,960
- Riggers $59,370
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $59,270
- Rail Car Repairers $58,680
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $58,570
- Avionics Technicians $56,590
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $54,020
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $53,030
- Home Appliance Repairers $52,070
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $51,120
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $50,920
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,510
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $48,860
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $48,840
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $48,630
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,600
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $47,170
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $46,030
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $45,830
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $44,980
- Motorcycle Mechanics $44,520
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $44,280
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $44,120
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $38,890
- Bicycle Repairers $37,270
- Tire Repairers and Changers $36,820
Construction and extraction 42
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $114,570
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $77,030
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $77,020
- Electricians $72,680
- Construction and Building Inspectors $69,890
- Boilermakers $66,440
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $65,140
- Pipelayers $64,340
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $63,910
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $62,970
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $62,550
- Tapers $62,090
- Sheet Metal Workers $61,680
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $61,610
- Carpenters $61,410
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $59,170
- Stonemasons $58,120
- Glaziers $58,100
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $57,930
- Roofers $56,290
- Continuous Mining Machine Operators $55,600
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $54,690
- Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas $54,070
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $53,770
- Tile and Stone Setters $53,430
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $53,170
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $50,300
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $50,170
- Highway Maintenance Workers $49,600
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $49,550
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $49,440
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $49,360
- Construction Laborers $48,670
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $48,650
- Carpet Installers $48,220
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $47,470
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $47,010
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,700
- Fence Erectors $45,580
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $45,090
- Helpers--Carpenters $42,870
- Helpers--Electricians $40,220
Management 36
- Chief Executives $219,230
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $163,000
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $159,290
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $139,670
- Purchasing Managers $137,630
- Sales Managers $136,480
- Marketing Managers $135,610
- Financial Managers $135,290
- Natural Sciences Managers $135,180
- Managers, All Other $133,040
- Human Resources Managers $131,810
- Public Relations Managers $114,970
- Industrial Production Managers $111,130
- Training and Development Managers $110,990
- Fundraising Managers $106,780
- Administrative Services Managers $105,290
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $104,920
- Medical and Health Services Managers $103,860
- Construction Managers $103,610
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $103,340
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $101,200
- General and Operations Managers $99,660
- Facilities Managers $98,760
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $98,240
- Gambling Managers $98,020
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $93,940
- Funeral Home Managers $90,330
- Social and Community Service Managers $82,250
- Emergency Management Directors $78,160
- Education Administrators, All Other $73,760
- Legislators $73,110
- Food Service Managers $61,400
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $60,230
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $58,450
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $56,180
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $55,100
Life, physical and social science 36
- Physicists $107,640
- Physical Scientists, All Other $105,480
- Nuclear Technicians $104,450
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $95,890
- Economists $94,850
- Materials Scientists $93,350
- Food Scientists and Technologists $86,690
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $81,800
- Epidemiologists $81,680
- Chemists $81,410
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $81,300
- Biological Scientists, All Other $81,200
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $80,030
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $79,020
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $78,960
- Psychologists, All Other $78,670
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $78,280
- Foresters $78,040
- School Psychologists $76,980
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $76,670
- Urban and Regional Planners $76,380
- Microbiologists $70,610
- Forensic Science Technicians $69,040
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $64,220
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $64,200
- Soil and Plant Scientists $61,710
- Conservation Scientists $61,010
- Chemical Technicians $57,680
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $53,730
- Food Science Technicians $53,480
- Social Science Research Assistants $51,800
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $51,580
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $51,400
- Biological Technicians $47,900
- Agricultural Technicians $37,960
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians $37,620
Transport and material moving 32
- Commercial Pilots $130,560
- Air Traffic Controllers $113,650
- Transportation Inspectors $81,470
- Crane and Tower Operators $77,110
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $73,780
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $72,810
- Ship Engineers $71,250
- Airfield Operations Specialists $60,990
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $59,370
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $59,290
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $59,170
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $55,140
- Wellhead Pumpers $55,090
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $52,000
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $46,590
- Bus Drivers, School $45,670
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $44,380
- Driver/Sales Workers $44,200
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $43,330
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $43,060
- Light Truck Drivers $40,500
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $39,870
- Aircraft Service Attendants $39,440
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $38,850
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $36,500
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,950
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,830
- Transportation Workers, All Other $34,940
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $34,640
- Parking Attendants $32,980
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $31,990
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $31,170
Business and financial 30
- Financial Risk Specialists $100,430
- Project Management Specialists $99,790
- Personal Financial Advisors $98,830
- Budget Analysts $91,830
- Management Analysts $90,620
- Financial and Investment Analysts $90,400
- Financial Specialists, All Other $81,470
- Logisticians $80,000
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $78,750
- Labor Relations Specialists $78,600
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $77,920
- Accountants and Auditors $77,720
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $77,380
- Insurance Underwriters $77,060
- Cost Estimators $76,080
- Compliance Officers $75,300
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $73,370
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $73,360
- Loan Officers $72,680
- Credit Analysts $72,620
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $70,520
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $68,120
- Human Resources Specialists $66,400
- Financial Examiners $66,160
- Fundraisers $63,990
- Training and Development Specialists $63,520
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $59,160
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $51,680
- Credit Counselors $51,000
- Tax Preparers $46,870
Architecture and engineering 30
- Nuclear Engineers $137,890
- Aerospace Engineers $115,540
- Computer Hardware Engineers $113,620
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $109,020
- Chemical Engineers $106,690
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $103,810
- Engineers, All Other $103,800
- Electrical Engineers $102,990
- Mechanical Engineers $102,730
- Environmental Engineers $100,090
- Industrial Engineers $99,680
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $96,930
- Materials Engineers $96,660
- Civil Engineers $85,550
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $82,170
- Mechanical Drafters $74,390
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $72,280
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $70,140
- Surveyors $69,990
- Landscape Architects $69,340
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $69,310
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $66,820
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $63,130
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $62,350
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $62,040
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $60,710
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $60,470
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $57,990
- Drafters, All Other $57,540
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $50,660
Arts, design, entertainment and media 29
- Art Directors $86,720
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $85,460
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $80,780
- Technical Writers $78,750
- Interior Designers $62,760
- Producers and Directors $62,710
- Editors $62,140
- Writers and Authors $61,800
- Public Relations Specialists $61,060
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $60,060
- Film and Video Editors $58,550
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $54,910
- Graphic Designers $52,600
- Interpreters and Translators $52,240
- Audio and Video Technicians $52,240
- Sound Engineering Technicians $51,790
- Set and Exhibit Designers $49,700
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $49,690
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $48,620
- Broadcast Technicians $47,890
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $45,500
- Coaches and Scouts $44,210
- Music Directors and Composers $42,030
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $35,980
- Floral Designers $34,700
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $32,900
- Craft Artists $26,640
- Actors not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Personal care and service 26
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $60,700
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $60,080
- Skincare Specialists $46,620
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,780
- Crematory Operators $44,710
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $43,390
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $42,010
- Gambling Dealers $38,660
- Residential Advisors $38,150
- Concierges $36,870
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $35,930
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $35,720
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,920
- Animal Trainers $34,100
- Tour and Travel Guides $33,520
- Recreation Workers $33,520
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $30,320
- Funeral Attendants $29,940
- Animal Caretakers $29,730
- Costume Attendants $29,700
- Barbers $29,390
- Childcare Workers $29,290
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $29,040
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,560
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $26,820
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $26,660
Protective service 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $99,130
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $92,560
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $86,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $79,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $78,290
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $75,460
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $74,420
- Transportation Security Screeners $66,120
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $65,250
- Bailiffs $55,950
- Firefighters $55,570
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $51,980
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $49,800
- Private Detectives and Investigators $49,700
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $49,670
- Animal Control Workers $48,710
- Parking Enforcement Workers $38,990
- Security Guards $38,120
- School Bus Monitors $32,920
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $31,200
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,660
Sales 20
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $108,740
- Sales Engineers $103,350
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $78,450
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $74,070
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $73,310
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $66,910
- Advertising Sales Agents $62,420
- Insurance Sales Agents $58,910
- Real Estate Brokers $58,640
- Real Estate Sales Agents $55,600
- Travel Agents $46,710
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $46,640
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $41,980
- Counter and Rental Clerks $38,310
- Parts Salespersons $36,850
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $36,610
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $35,950
- Retail Salespersons $33,340
- Telemarketers $32,070
- Cashiers $29,190
Computing and mathematics 19
- Database Architects $120,810
- Computer Network Architects $117,330
- Software Developers $107,820
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $105,960
- Actuaries $105,750
- Information Security Analysts $104,540
- Computer Occupations, All Other $102,300
- Computer Systems Analysts $100,240
- Data Scientists $99,470
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $98,310
- Database Administrators $97,880
- Web Developers $97,690
- Statisticians $96,780
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $93,500
- Operations Research Analysts $84,100
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $81,120
- Computer Programmers $68,790
- Computer Network Support Specialists $61,890
- Computer User Support Specialists $56,110
Community and social service 17
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $79,230
- Healthcare Social Workers $66,440
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $63,240
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $60,000
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $59,530
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $59,030
- Social Workers, All Other $58,920
- Clergy $54,160
- Marriage and Family Therapists $52,890
- Health Education Specialists $52,830
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $49,970
- Religious Workers, All Other $47,960
- Community Health Workers $47,290
- Counselors, All Other $46,780
- Rehabilitation Counselors $43,830
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $43,300
- Social and Human Service Assistants $38,530
Healthcare support 16
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $61,460
- Physical Therapist Assistants $59,510
- Massage Therapists $54,510
- Dental Assistants $47,030
- Medical Equipment Preparers $45,230
- Phlebotomists $39,760
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $39,280
- Nursing Assistants $38,900
- Medical Assistants $38,840
- Psychiatric Aides $36,890
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,550
- Medical Transcriptionists $36,230
- Orderlies $35,810
- Pharmacy Aides $34,750
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $33,410
- Physical Therapist Aides $30,160
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $58,430
- Bartenders $39,500
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $37,960
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,560
- Waiters and Waitresses $35,940
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $35,870
- Cooks, All Other $35,810
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $34,320
- Food Preparation Workers $32,810
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,720
- Cooks, Short Order $30,670
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $29,950
- Cooks, Fast Food $29,340
- Dishwashers $28,990
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,870
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,160
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $58,030
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $54,180
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $48,070
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $46,940
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $46,590
- Pest Control Workers $45,320
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $40,220
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,900
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $35,000
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $33,550
Farming, fishing and forestry 9
- Agricultural Inspectors $72,300
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $59,650
- Fallers $52,010
- Logging Equipment Operators $46,970
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $42,600
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $36,440
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $33,030
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $32,160
- Agricultural Workers, All Other $30,910
Legal 7
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Michigan?
The median across all occupations is $48,300 a year, or $23.22 an hour, covering 4,390,620 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Michigan?
Nurse Anesthetists ($234,520), General Internal Medicine Physicians ($227,270), Family Medicine Physicians ($219,990) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Michigan employ the most people in?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, with 124,340 employed at a median of $41,870. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Michigan electricity averages 22.01¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.