Software Developer salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$130,760/year
about $62.87 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $101,850 – $153,270
Half of software developers in the Detroit metro area earn more than $130,760 a year and half earn less. That's 4% lower than the national median of $135,980, and ranks #22 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $82,720 | $39.77 |
| 25th | $101,850 | $48.97 |
| Median (50th) | $130,760 | $62.87 |
| 75th | $153,270 | $73.69 |
| 90th (top earners) | $167,490 | $80.52 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a software developer job in the Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $101,850 ($48.97/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $101,850 to $153,270 ($48.97 to $73.69/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $153,270 ($73.69/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Total pay at larger companies often includes stock and bonuses, so compare total compensation, not just salary.
- A fully remote role is usually priced against national pay, while on-site roles in big tech hubs tend to pay more.
- On-call rotations are common. Ask how often and whether they come with extra pay or time off.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Detroit metro. Occupation: Software Developers (SOC 15-1252). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.