Ann Arbor vs Grand Rapids: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,227▲ | $103,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.44▲ | $49.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,955▲ | $73,778 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,828▲ | $84,444 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,083▲ | $130,558 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,897▲ | $146,530 |
| Total Employed | 810 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids is $9,494 (9.15%). Ann Arbor's median is -9.44% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $86,942,Grand Rapids spans $72,752. 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, Ann Arbor ($112,239 effective) pays 3.38% more than Grand Rapids ($108,569 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 ($113,227/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,239)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Ann Arbor grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$85,170 (2019) → $109,240 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$78,350 (2019) → $100,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov