Ann Arbor vs Lansing: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,136▲ | $98,566 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.14▲ | $47.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,980 | $68,444▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,947▲ | $77,209 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,014 | $123,454▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,068▲ | $138,222 |
| Total Employed | 220 | 730▲ |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Lansing is $1,570 (1.59%). Ann Arbor's median is -3.24% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $81,088,Lansing spans $69,778. Ann Arbor has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($103,764 effective) pays 4.53% more than Ann Arbor ($99,262 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,136/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,068)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (730 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,764)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Ann Arbor grew 10.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$87,970 (2019) → $97,570 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$80,800 (2019) → $96,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov