Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Michigan, we often picture beautiful landscapes, outdoor adventures, and delicious local cuisine. However, Michigan is also home to a robust and evolving economy that has shown significant resilience and growth in recent years.
Here at Zippia, we analyze local economies to identify which industries are thriving. This information is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating to Michigan for new opportunities.
In this article, we explore the best industries for jobs in Michigan as we head into 2026.
After examining all the available data, we arrived at this list of the five best industries for jobs in Michigan:
Continue reading to discover how we identified these standout industries.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Michigan job market, check out these related articles:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Detroit
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Warren
- 10 Best Companies to Work For in Saginaw, MI
How We Determined the Best Industries in Michigan for Jobs
We believe that data is a reliable guide to understanding the job market. To identify the best industries in Michigan, we gathered extensive data on various factors affecting job opportunities.
Our research focused on the following criteria:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed using self-reported data from professionals within each industry. We ranked each sector from 1 to 22, with 1 representing the best conditions.
By averaging these rankings, we created a ‘Best Industry’ index, naming Architecture and Engineering as the top industry in Michigan.
For a detailed table of the data, please see the section below. Let’s dive into the reasons why these industries excel in providing job opportunities.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Michigan
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Architecture and Engineering | $80,270 |
| 2 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $77,380 |
| 3 | Management | $111,230 |
| 4 | Production and Manufacturing | $37,520 |
| 5 | Education, Training, and Library | $54,630 |
| 6 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $49,810 |
| 7 | Office and Administrative Support | $35,970 |
| 8 | Business and Financial Operations | $69,340 |
| 9 | Computer and Mathematical | $76,950 |
| 10 | Legal | $86,860 |
| 11 | Community and Social Service | $45,370 |
| 12 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $46,270 |
| 13 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $62,360 |
| 14 | Sales | $39,200 |
| 15 | Healthcare Support | $29,370 |
| 16 | Transportation | $34,850 |
| 17 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $22,660 |
| 18 | Personal Care and Service | $25,390 |
| 19 | Construction and Extraction | $48,780 |
| 20 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $27,170 |
| 21 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $30,060 |
| 22 | Protective Service | $43,120 |
Summing Up the Best Industries in Michigan
In conclusion, Architecture and Engineering stand out as the best industry for job seekers in Michigan as we move through 2026.
Conversely, the Protective Service Industry ranks lower, primarily due to lower salaries and limited job openings.
For further reading, explore these articles:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
