Dearborn vs Detroit: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,595 | $141,324▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.59 | $67.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,546 | $82,430▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,228 | $107,485▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,963 | $186,963▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,923 | $258,002▲ |
| Total Employed | 19 | 10,110▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Detroit is $729 (0.52%). Detroit's median is -15.46% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $136,377,Detroit spans $175,572. Detroit has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dearborn ($150,853 effective) pays 7.06% more than Detroit ($140,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,853)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,324/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($258,002)
- ✓Larger job market (10,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Dearborn grew 6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$126,422 (2024) → $134,284 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$109,470 (2019) → $134,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov