Software Developer Salary in Michigan
Based on 43K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$125,570
$60.37/hr
vs National Average
$127,401
-1.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $167K
43K employed in Michigan
Software Developer salary in Michigan averages $124,094 per year, according to current employment data covering 526 workers in the state. This figure places Michigan developers about 5% below the national average, though salaries in the field can reach up to $142,427 for experienced professionals or those in specialized roles.
Several factors influence software developer compensation in Michigan, including years of experience, technical specializations, company size, and geographic location within the state. Developers working for larger enterprises or in tech-focused urban areas typically command higher salaries, while those early in their careers or in smaller markets may earn closer to the lower end of the range.
Salary Distribution — Software Developer in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,930 |
| 25th percentile | $97,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,570 |
| 75th percentile | $140,100 |
| 90th percentile | $166,510 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Developer in Michigan
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Michigan — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 102 | $132,513 |
| 2 | General Motors | 101 | $151,703 |
| 3 | Rocket Limited Partnership | 74 | $120,500 |
| 4 | United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC | 25 | $117,500 |
| 5 | ROBERT BOSCH LLC | 19 | $142,988 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Developer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Michigan
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Michigan.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $84,100 | 109 |
| Level II | Qualified | $102,200 | 508 |
| Level III | Experienced | $120,891 | 335 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $142,526 | 399 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Developer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Developers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Developers in Michigan tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $166,400 | 347K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $147,010 | 18K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $139,270 | 810 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $136,610 | 3K |
| Manufacturing | $136,330 | 136K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Developer in Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,070 |
| 2023 | $103,830 |
| 2024 | $107,820 |
| 2025 | $125,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,104 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,070 | $111,597 |
| 2023 | $103,830 | $118,750 |
| 2024 | $107,820 | $121,352 |
| 2025 | $125,570 | $127,401 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,104 | $135,045 |
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $140,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,510 |
Software Developer Salary in Other States
Related Software Developer Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to Software Developer ($125,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Developer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MI | $163,760 | +30.4% | $78.73/hr |
| Database Administrator in MI | $131,000 | +4.3% | $62.98/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in MI | $119,670 | -4.7% | $57.53/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MI | $112,040 | -10.8% | $53.87/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MI | $106,230 | -15.4% | $51.07/hr |
| Software Engineer in MI | $105,680 | -15.8% | $50.81/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MI | $103,410 | -17.6% | $49.72/hr |
| Statistician in MI | $102,710 | -18.2% | $49.38/hr |
| Data Scientist in MI | $100,590 | -19.9% | $48.36/hr |
| Web Developer in MI | $98,470 | -21.6% | $47.34/hr |
| Network Administrator in MI | $92,750 | -26.1% | $44.59/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in MI | $86,630 | -31.0% | $41.65/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make in Michigan?
- The median salary for software developers in Michigan is $124,094 per year, which translates to approximately $60 per hour. This is about 5% lower than the national average for the same role.
What is the salary range for software developers in Michigan?
- Software developers in Michigan can earn up to $142,427 per year at the high end of the salary range. The median salary of $124,094 provides a good benchmark for what most developers in the state earn.
Is Michigan's software developer salary below the national average?
- Yes, Michigan's median software developer salary of $124,094 is 5.0% below the national average. Despite this, it remains a competitive salary for the state's tech industry.
How many software developers are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 526 software developers currently employed in Michigan. This reflects the demand for tech talent in the state's job market.