Salary & Cost of Living in Pontiac, MI
Pontiac, MI: $47,874 median salary, cost of living index 87.9, $10.33/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$47,874
$23/hr
Cost of Living
87.9
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$10.33
per hour
Unemployment
4.4%
rate
Pontiac, MI Overview
Population
61,606
Median Salary
$47,874
Average Salary
$53,619
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$246,000
Median Rent
$1,015/mo
Job Growth
+0.6%
Sales Tax
6%
Pontiac is located in Michigan with a population of 61,606. The median household salary is $47,874 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,510 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.6%.
Pontiac Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Pontiac, MI based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $47,874 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $29,682 | $14.27/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $47,874 | $23.02/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $67,981 | $32.69/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $85,216 | $40.98/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Pontiac Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Pontiac, MI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$38,183
$3,181.95/month · $1,468.59/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.2%
Gross Pay
$47,874
Federal Tax
-$3,706
State Tax
-$2,035
Local Tax
-$287
FICA
-$3,662
Net Pay
$38,183
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $3,989.50 | $47,874.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$308.87 | -$3,706.38 |
| Michigan State Tax (4.25%) | -$169.55 | -$2,034.65 |
| Local Tax (0.6%) | -$23.94 | -$287.24 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$247.35 | -$2,968.19 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$57.85 | -$694.17 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,181.95 | $38,183.37 |
Salary Comparison: Pontiac vs Other Cities
See how Pontiac's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pontiac, MI | $47,874 | 87.9 | $54,464 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Jupiter, FL | $47,881 | 94.7 | $50,561 |
| McCandless, PA | $47,818 | 95.1 | $50,282 |
| Roseville, MI | $47,934 | 82.7 | $57,961 |
| Elyria, OH | $47,946 | 92.5 | $51,834 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Pontiac
Pontiac's cost of living index is 87.9 (national average = 100). Living in Pontiac is 12.099999999999994% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$246,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,015
Annual Rent Cost
$12,180
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $38,183 annual take-home pay in Pontiac has the purchasing power of approximately $43,440 in an average-cost US area. Your $47,874 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Pontiac
Pontiac's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $47,874.
Salary Tips for Pontiac Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Pontiac has a cost of living 12.099999999999994% below the national average. A salary of $47,874 here has the purchasing power of about $54,464 in an average-cost area.
- Research top industries. Pontiac's top industries include Automotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $47,874 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Pontiac, MI?
The median salary in Pontiac, MI is $47,874 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $53,619. This is $11,510 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Pontiac, MI?
Pontiac's cost of living index is 87.9 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12.099999999999994% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $246,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,015.
What are the best industries in Pontiac?
The top industries in Pontiac, MI include Automotive, Manufacturing, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 0.6% and an unemployment rate of 4.4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $47,874.
How does Pontiac's salary compare to other cities?
Pontiac's median salary of $47,874 is 19.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 87.9), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,464.
What is the minimum wage in Pontiac, MI?
The minimum wage in Pontiac, MI is $10.33 per hour. This equals approximately $21,486 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.08 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.