๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 98 โ€” Below Avg Cost

Salaries in Livonia, MI

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$69,043
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$70,452
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Marketing Manager
$156,674
1BR Rent
$1,019
median monthly

Livonia might not scream "tech hub," but it's quietly paying its software developers like one. The numbers for 2026 show a city thatโ€™s a bit of an economic sleeperโ€”stable, solid, and surprisingly well-compensated for its Midwestern roots.

Let's talk real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 98.0, you're getting a 2% discount on the national average. That median household income of $95,003 stretches further here than in most places. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,019 a month, which isn't a bargain, but itโ€™s manageable on that income. Itโ€™s not a steal, but itโ€™s certainly not the financial squeeze youโ€™d find in a major coastal city. Youโ€™re getting a solid middle-class life without the brutal price tag.

So, whoโ€™s thriving? This is a classic suburban Detroit economy. Youโ€™ve got the automotive supply chain, healthcare, and professional services anchoring things. Major employers like Trinity Health and Ford suppliers keep the engineering and project management roles busy. The top-paying jobs tell the story: marketing managers at major firms, pharmacists in the large retail chains, and software developers who likely work remotely for Detroit-based companies or local tech firms. The fact that nearly half the population holds a bachelorโ€™s degree fuels this white-collar workforce.

Hereโ€™s my honest take: wages are good, but are they keeping pace? The average salary across all roles is a respectable $69,043, and the COL-adjusted figure bumps it to $70,452. Thatโ€™s comfortable, but not flashy. The catch is that Livonia is a city for stable professionals, not for those chasing explosive startup wealth. It works best if youโ€™re in a mid-to-senior role in one of the top industries, or if youโ€™re a dual-income household. For a single person or a young family looking for a safe, affordable community with solid job opportunities, itโ€™s a genuinely good fit.

The data below will break down exactly what you can expect to earn in specific roles and how your background stacks up against the city's median.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Livonia

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ -1% vs national

Marketing Manager

$156,674
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $159,871
โฑ Hourly $75.32/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 184
๐Ÿฅˆ -1% vs national

Pharmacist

$135,213
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $137,972
โฑ Hourly $65.01/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth -3.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 184
๐Ÿฅ‰ -1% vs national

Software Developer

$126,496
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $129,078
โฑ Hourly $60.82/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 553
4๏ธโƒฃ -1% vs national

Construction Manager

$107,560
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $109,755
โฑ Hourly $51.71/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +8.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 184
5๏ธโƒฃ -1% vs national

Project Manager

$100,672
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $102,727
โฑ Hourly $48.40/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Jobs Here 184

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Livonia

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (98/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Marketing Manager $156,674
2 Pharmacist $135,213
3 Software Developer $126,496
4 Construction Manager $107,560
5 Project Manager $100,672
6 Physical Therapist $99,111
7 Financial Analyst $98,415
8 Web Developer $92,193
9 Dental Hygienist $87,004
10 Accountant $85,563
11 Registered Nurse $85,553
12 Data Analyst $82,859
13 Police Officer $74,460
14 Human Resources Specialist $67,244
15 Elementary School Teacher $63,287
16 Plumber $62,969
17 Paralegal $62,373
18 Electrician $61,180
19 Real Estate Agent $61,111
20 Graphic Designer $60,971
21 Firefighter $56,777
22 Carpenter $56,578
23 HVAC Technician $55,335
24 Heavy Truck Driver $52,771
25 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $49,700
26 Dental Assistant $49,700
27 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $49,700
28 Nail Technician $49,700
29 Chef/Head Cook $49,700
30 Cosmetologist $49,700
31 Personal Trainer $49,700
32 Auto Mechanic $49,700
33 Veterinary Technician $49,700
34 Pharmacy Technician $49,700
35 Loan Officer $49,700
36 Insurance Agent $49,700
37 Social Worker $49,700
38 Welder $49,292
39 Medical Assistant $38,040
40 Security Guard $35,923

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Livonia

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,019/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,291/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$324,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
4.0%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$95,003
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
45%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
98
Below Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Livonia?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Livonia. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Livonia Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Livonia, MI?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Livonia is $69,043. This is significantly lower than the median household income of $95,003, indicating that many households rely on multiple income earners. The city's cost of living index is 98.0, slightly below the national average.

What jobs pay the most in Livonia?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Livonia is Marketing Manager at $156,674. This salary is more than double the city's average salary of $69,043. Such high-paying positions are key drivers for the median household income reaching $95,003.

Is Livonia affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $156,674 is highly affordable in Livonia. The cost of living index is 98.0, and a 1BR apartment rents for $1,019/month. This salary is 64% higher than the median household income, providing substantial financial comfort.

How does Livonia's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
With a COL index of 98.0, your paycheck in Livonia has slightly more purchasing power than the national average. For an average salary of $69,043, this means essential costs like the $1,019/month 1BR rent are more manageable. Effectively, your money goes about 2% further than in an average U.S. city.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Livonia?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably, a single person should target a salary above the city average of $69,043. A practical benchmark is the median household income of $95,003, which accounts for a typical family's expenses. Given the low 1BR rent of $1,019/month, even a salary of $80,000 would allow for significant savings and discretionary spending.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Livonia Worth It?

Honestly, I think Livonia is a solid, if unflashy, bet financially. With a cost-of-living index of 98.0 and average rent at $1,019, your paycheck stretches further than in many metro areas. The $69,043 average salary feels realistic for a stable, middle-class life.

If youโ€™re in marketing, youโ€™ll thriveโ€”those top salaries ($159,871 adjusted) are compelling. But the real winners here are tradespeople and healthcare workers; the regionโ€™s manufacturing and hospital networks offer steady, well-paid work without the brutal competition of bigger cities. Tech is okay, but youโ€™ll likely commute to Ann Arbor or Detroit for the highest tiers.

My verdict? Livonia isnโ€™t glamorous, but itโ€™s a smart financial landing spot if you value stability over buzz. My advice: before moving, secure a job first. The local market rewards loyalty, but itโ€™s not a place to wing it on a hope and a resume.

Explore Livonia Further