Detroit vs Jackson: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Detroit, MI and Jackson, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Jackson, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,984 | $110,143▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.67 | $52.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,683 | $67,223▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,307 | $82,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,783 | $125,024▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,111 | $137,668▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,870▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Jackson, MI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.
The salary gap between Detroit and Jackson is $15,159 (15.96%). Jackson's median is +6.43% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $67,428,Jackson spans $70,445. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($120,009 effective) pays 26.72% more than Detroit ($94,702 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,668)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,009)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Detroit grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$76,240 (2019) → $92,550 (2025)
Jackson, MI
$80,800 (2019) → $107,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Jackson, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Detroit or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Jackson as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Detroit vs Jackson?
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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