Dearborn Heights vs Detroit: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn Heights, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,366 | $118,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.65 | $57.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,605 | $83,552▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,601 | $101,318▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,608 | $139,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,318 | $165,954▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 6,060▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.
The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Detroit is $13,199 (12.53%). Detroit's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $98,713,Detroit spans $82,402. Dearborn Heights 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, Detroit ($118,213 effective) pays 4.56% more than Dearborn Heights ($113,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,954)
- ✓Larger job market (6,060 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,213)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Dearborn Heights, MI
$100,578 (2024) → $101,656 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$93,540 (2019) → $114,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn Heights, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Dearborn Heights or Detroit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Detroit?
Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Detroit as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Dearborn Heights vs Detroit?
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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