Skip to main content

Military Enlisted Salary in Detroit, MI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Detroit's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Detroit β€” Key Numbers

$36,080
Median Salary
$25,960
25th Percentile
$49,984
75th Percentile
$65,120
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-12.0%
Detroit median household income$57,400
vs. City household income-37.1%

Cost of Living in Detroit

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$900/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio29.9%
Annual rent cost$10,800
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary6.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Detroit

5.3%
Unemployment Rate
4,410,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
34.6
Median Age

Detroit has a metro population of 4,410,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 5.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Michigan Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Detroit, MI?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Detroit is $36,080 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Detroit's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $25,960 (25th percentile) to $49,984 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $65,120.

Is Detroit affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $36,080 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Detroit would spend approximately 29.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($900/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $215,000 is 6.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Detroit's overall income?

Detroit's median household income is $57,400. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $36,080 earns 37.1% less than the typical Detroit household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Detroit has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.