The numbers don’t lie: When it comes to engineering jobs, Michigan is #1 in the U.S. This state was built by the hands of proud engineers, and has continued to be on the cutting edge of technology ever since. There is an incredible need for professionals who can create the software and materials needed for technically connected, efficient automobiles and companies are willing to pay top dollar to beat competition. There are many reasons to move to Michigan, but if you are an engineer looking for a job, here are my top 4:
1. Michigan has the most Engineers per capita. Michigan employs more Mechanical Engineers and Industrial Engineers than any other state in the country. Electrical, Materials and Electro-Mechanical engineers are right behind as the top 20 for highest employment in the country. With the engineers-to-population ratio being more than double the U.S. average, your engineering job search would benefit from navigating the Michigan automotive networks.
2. The automotive and defense industries have top of the line and cutting edge, Michigan based R&D centers. If you are starting to look for engineering jobs in Michigan, there are a number of well known R&D facilities and headquarters. Global companies of note are:
| • Chrysler | • Ford | • Hyundai | ||||
| • Kia | • GM | • Nissan | ||||
| • Toyota | • Daimler | • Honda | ||||
| • Mitsubishi | • GM | • Nissan | ||||
| • Subaru | • Suzuki |
3. Michigan is home to over 100,000 supplier jobs and is the #1 state for Auto Parts Suppliers. With such a robust automotive supplier network, Michigan engineers who are looking for a job have a lot companies and positions to choose from: 61 of the top 100 North American and global automotive suppliers are headquartered in Michigan.
4. Your money is worth more here. Let’s say you’re an engineering graduate of one of Michigan’s top Automotive and Engineering research universities and you are expecting to make upwards of $50,000 your first year of employment. That sounds awesome coming right out of the gate, unless you are earning that much in Chicago. The most recent studies are finding that the Michigan “brain drain” is routing many of its qualified graduates to cities like Chicago where the cost of living is 32% higher. If you are starting to look for engineering jobs for the first time, cost of living is definitely something to consider. If you don’t believe me, ask U of M Engineering.
There is a world of opportunity to grow in your engineering job in the state of Michigan whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned veteran. We hope that you start your engineering job search here, and if you need help or direction, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.