Grand Rapids vs Southfield: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Southfield, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Southfield, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,733 | $105,166▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.88 | $50.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,778▲ | $64,052 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,444▲ | $78,209 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,558 | $134,613▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,530 | $163,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Southfield, MI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Southfield is $1,433 (1.38%). Southfield's median is -15.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $72,752,Southfield spans $98,956. Southfield 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, Southfield ($112,839 effective) pays 3.93% 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 Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Southfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,008)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,839)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Grand Rapids grew 27.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Southfield over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$78,350 (2019) → $100,080 (2025)
Southfield, MI
$100,387 (2024) → $101,463 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Southfield, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Grand Rapids or Southfield?
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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