Detroit vs Livonia: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Livonia, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,565▲ | $103,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.01▲ | $49.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,552▲ | $69,193 |
| 25th Percentile | $101,318▲ | $81,933 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,109▲ | $129,244 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,954▲ | $153,835 |
| Total Employed | 6,060▲ | 21 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Livonia.
The salary gap between Detroit and Livonia is $14,693 (14.15%). 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 Detroit spans $82,402,Livonia spans $84,642. Livonia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($118,213 effective) pays 6.07% more than Livonia ($111,451 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Livonia if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Detroit grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Livonia over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$93,540 (2019) → $114,390 (2025)
Livonia, MI
$99,151 (2024) → $100,214 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Livonia, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Detroit or Livonia?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to Livonia as a electrical engineer?
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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