Detroit vs Monroe: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Detroit, MI and Monroe, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Monroe, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,984 | $99,151▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.67 | $47.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,683 | $72,293▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,307▲ | $78,194 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,783▲ | $109,116 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,111 | $145,468▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,870▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Monroe, MI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.
The salary gap between Detroit and Monroe is $4,167 (4.39%). Monroe's median is -4.19% 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,Monroe spans $73,175. Monroe 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, Monroe ($106,053 effective) pays 11.99% 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 Monroe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,151/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,468)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,053)
- ✓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 26.6% growth in Monroe over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$76,240 (2019) → $92,550 (2025)
Monroe, MI
$76,310 (2019) → $96,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Monroe, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Detroit or Monroe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Monroe?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Monroe as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Detroit vs Monroe?
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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