Software Developer Salary in Detroit, MI (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$120,520
in Detroit · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$122,745
adjusted for local cost of living
Software Developers in Detroit
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Detroit, MI is $120,520 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $10,043/month or $58/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Detroit pays 11% less than the typical city.
Detroit has a cost of living index of 98.2 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $120,520 in Detroit is equivalent to $122,745 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Detroit metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WA | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Detroit
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $92,680 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $69,550 |
| Electrician | $75,730 |
| Accountant | $91,040 |
Full cost of living profile for Detroit
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Detroit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Detroit?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Detroit, MI is $120,520 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Detroit Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Detroit Software Developer pay ($120,520) is 11% below the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit has a cost of living index of 98.2 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $120,520 salary in Detroit has the purchasing power of approximately $122,745 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology