Salaries in Ann Arbor, MI

You might think Ann Arbor’s salary data gets inflated by all those high-earning academics and tech folks from the university. It doesn’t. The real story is how a seemingly modest median income of $76,207 buys you a surprisingly comfortable life here.

With a cost of living index of 98, you’re essentially paying 2% less than the national average for everything. That $1,234 one-bedroom rent is the key—it’s high, sure, but it’s not the crushing burden you see in bigger tech hubs. Your paycheck stretches further, meaning that $68,689 average salary feels more like $70,090 in real purchasing power. It’s not a steal, but it’s a fair trade.

Who’s winning here? The economy is anchored by the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine, and a growing tech corridor. That’s why you see marketing managers pulling in a COL-adjusted $159,871 and software developers at $129,078. Pharmacists do well, too, thanks to the massive healthcare system. But it’s not all white-collar; construction managers are earning a solid $109,755, building the housing and labs the city keeps needing.

Here’s the honest catch: wages aren’t exploding. They’re growing, but slowly. The 4% unemployment rate shows a tight job market, but it hasn’t triggered the wild salary spikes you see elsewhere. This city works best for professionals whose skills are in steady demand—like in healthcare, project management, or specialized software. If you’re in one of those fields, you’ll likely thrive.

The data below breaks down exactly who is earning what, and what your take-home pay might look like. It’s a detailed map for anyone considering a move or a raise in this educated, expensive, and surprisingly livable city.