Farmington Hills vs Grand Rapids: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Farmington Hills, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington Hills, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,601▲ | $103,733 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.77▲ | $49.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,694 | $73,778▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,059 | $84,444▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,494▲ | $130,558 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,681▲ | $146,530 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Farmington Hills, MI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids is $1,868 (1.80%). Farmington Hills's median is -15.54% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington Hills spans $98,987,Grand Rapids spans $72,752. Farmington Hills 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, Farmington Hills ($113,306 effective) pays 4.36% 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 Farmington Hills if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,601/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,681)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,306)
- ✓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 Farmington Hills grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.7% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Farmington Hills, MI
$100,801 (2024) → $101,882 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$78,350 (2019) → $100,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington Hills, 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