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Michigan, known for its top universities like the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University, attracts many international students every year. While studying, students often take up part-time jobs or internships to support their expenses and gain work experience. The average salary in Michigan is around USD 58,000 per year or USD 27.88 per hour, but international students usually earn based on part-time roles or internships. Knowing about average salaries helps students plan their finances and make the most of their time in Michigan.
This blog provides detailed insights into the average salaries for international students in Michigan, including part-time jobs, internships, and post-graduation opportunities.
This Blog Includes:
- Average Salary in Michigan for Part-Time Jobs
- Average Salary in Michigan for Internships and Co-op Programs
- Average Salary in Michigan for Post-Graduation Opportunities
- Cost of Living in Michigan for International Students
- Taxes and Deductions for International Students
- Tips for Maximizing Earnings for International Students
- Challenges and Considerations for International Students
- FAQs
Average Salary in Michigan for Part-Time Jobs
International students in the U.S. on F-1 visas can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Part-time jobs are commonly on-campus, although some off-campus roles are available under certain conditions (e.g., Curricular Practical Training [CPT] or Economic Hardship Work Authorization).
| Part-Time Job | Minimum Salary Per Hour |
| Library Assistant | USD 10–USD 15/hour |
| Teaching/Research Assistant | USD 12–USD 20/hour |
| Campus Dining Staff | USD 9–USD 14/hour |
| Retail Jobs | USD 11–USD 16/hour |
| Customer Service | USD 12–USD 18/hour |
| Average Hourly Pay | USD 12–USD 15/hour |
For a 20-hour work week, international students can expect to earn USD 240–USD 300 per week, which translates to USD 960–USD 1,200 per month before taxes.
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Average Salary in Michigan for Internships and Co-op Programs
Internships and co-ops programs provide international students with industry exposure and a chance to earn more than typical part-time jobs. These opportunities often align with academic fields and are facilitated through programs like CPT.
| Internships | Average Monthly Salary |
| Engineering | USD 3,000–USD 5,000/month |
| Business/Finance | USD 2,500–USD 4,500/month |
| IT/Computer Science | USD 3,000–USD 6,000/month |
| Healthcare/Biomedical Fields | USD 2,500–USD 4,000/month |
Average Salary in Michigan for Post-Graduation Opportunities
Michigan’s diverse industries – automotive, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing – offer promising career prospects for international students after graduation. With Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, international students can work full-time in their respective fields.
| Industry | Average Annual Salary |
| Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical) | USD 65,000–USD 80,000 |
| IT/Computer Science | USD 70,000–USD 100,000 |
| Business/Finance | USD 55,000–USD 75,000 |
| Healthcare | USD 60,000–USD 85,000 |
| Manufacturing | USD 60,000–USD 80,000 |
| Median Annual Salary for Graduates | Approximately USD 70,000 |
Companies such as General Motors, Ford, Amazon, and Pfizer actively recruit talent from Michigan’s universities.
Also Read: Emerging Careers in USA in 2025
Cost of Living in Michigan for International Students
To assess whether these salaries are sufficient, it’s essential to understand Michigan’s cost of living.
| Particular | Monthly Expenses |
| Housing(Shared) | USD 400–USD 800 |
| Groceries | USD 200–USD 300 |
| Transportation | USD 50–USD 150 |
| Utilities & Internet | USD 100–USD 200 |
| Miscellaneous | USD 100–USD 200 |
| Total Monthly Expenses | USD 850–USD 1,650 |
Also Read: Guide to Find Jobs After Master’s in USA for Indians
Taxes and Deductions for International Students
International students are subject to U.S. taxes, including:
| Taxes | Deduction |
| Federal Income Tax | 10–22% (depending on income level) |
| State Income Tax (Michigan) | Flat 4.25% |
| FICA Taxes | Exempt for international students on F-1 visas unless they qualify as “residents for tax purposes.” |
Tips for Maximizing Earnings for International Students
Internships and co-op programs are fantastic opportunities to gain practical experience while earning an income. However, to truly maximize earnings, students – especially international students – should take strategic steps to ensure they get the best-paying positions, make the most of their working hours, and gain career-enhancing experiences. Here are some tips to help you maximise your earnings in Michigan:
- Focus on On-Campus Jobs often have flexible schedules and are easier to balance with academics.
- Focus on industries like engineering, IT/computer science, finance, and healthcare for higher-paying opportunities.
- Skills in areas like programming, data science, or finance certifications can help you earn more.
- Interning with big companies like Ford, General Motors, or Google often results in higher pay.
- Full-time internships (40 hours a week) during summer offer higher earnings than part-time positions.
- Career fairs and alumni networks can help secure high-paying internships.
- Students in STEM fields have extended work authorization and often command higher salaries.
- Look for perks like free meals, housing stipends, or transportation reimbursement, which can add value to your earnings.
Challenges and Considerations for International Students
For international students in Michigan, pursuing internships or co-op opportunities can be an exciting yet challenging experience. While it offers valuable learning and career development, there are several factors to consider that can affect their ability to succeed. Here are some key challenges and considerations:
- International students may face limitations on the number of hours they can work (usually 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks).
- Adjusting to a new culture and communication style can be challenging, affecting both personal and professional interactions.
- Some companies may not hire international students due to visa restrictions or unfamiliarity with the process.
- Understanding U.S. tax laws and how to file taxes can be confusing for international students. They may also face higher living costs in Michigan’s cities.
- International students need to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to work off-campus, which can be a complicated process.
- Building professional connections may take more time, as international students might lack local networks or face challenges in finding mentors.
- Michigan’s larger cities can have high living costs, including housing, transportation, and general expenses, which may be challenging for students on a tight budget.
- Although most international students speak English, non-native speakers might still face challenges in professional settings where strong communication skills are important.
FAQs
The estimated annual earnings for international students are approximately USD 114,477, with an average salary of USD 95,539. These figures reflect the median salary, which represents the middle point of the salary range based on data gathered from our users and our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model.
International students not only succeed at the University of Michigan, but they also contribute diverse perspectives to this prestigious institution. Michigan provides an exceptional blend of academic excellence and opportunities across over 280 undergraduate programs, world-class faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Yes, USD 20 per hour is a decent wage, especially for part-time jobs, giving a solid income for students or entry-level workers.
A decent salary in Michigan depends on factors like experience, education, and job role. However, a starting salary of USD 40,000 to USD 50,000 per year is considered reasonable for many entry-level positions.
An eligible employee is one who works full-time, typically between 17.5 to 30 hours per week, if the employer selects this criteria and applies it consistently to all employees, without considering factors related to health status.
In Michigan, employers can require adult employees to work any number of hours in a day or week, with no legal restrictions. However, this rule does not apply to minors, who are subject to specific limits on the number of hours they can work.
Starting January 1, 2024, Michigan’s minimum wage rose from USD 10.10 to USD 10.33 per hour.
Full-time classified employees of the State of Michigan are eligible for benefits such as health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
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