Michigan: How to Tell If You’re Still Middle Income

What is middle income or middle class these days? It's difficult to tell. Inflation and other factors have caused the middle income line to change, but often times, salaries have stayed the same. Many companies have also not been raising salaries to equal inflation, so it's possible that if you were once considered middle class, you aren't anymore. So, how can you tell if you're still middle income in Michigan? It's a complex question, but thankfully, we have a simple answer.

The information comes from ConsumerAffairs.com. They spoke with Oliver Rust, head of product at independent inflation data aggregator Truflation. Rust commented, "Historically, the middle class has been the engine of American economic growth and prosperity. Yet we're now seeing the middle class capturing a lower share of income than in the 60s, 70s and 80s." Rust added that the middle class has shrunk from about 60% since the mid-2000s. He also mentioned that inflation isn't the only factor. There are many reasons the middle class is shrinking.

So, what is middle class in our state and the rest of the country? ConsumerAffairs used information from the Pew Research Center calculator and an inflation calculator from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to determine the current numbers. The number they came up with is the  minimum annual income required in 2023 for a family of four to be middle class in our state. That number is $64,130. When looking at the other numbers on this list, it appears that's about average. Some states have much higher salaries, such as Hawaii with $82,630. Others have lower. But, we seem about normal. Let's hope the future, more people can work their way back into that middle class tier, because it really is the American dream. Find the full study on the numbers here.

For those currently in the process of job hunting, the market is working in your favor right now. There are plenty of job opportunities available. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget came together for a conference in Lansing on Tuesday. The event aimed to chart the course of the state's employment landscape for the next seven years. Additionally, they’re working to ensure people know about the jobs currently in high demand.

Yesterday, the DTMB and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity released two publications: Michigan’s Hot 50 and Michigan’s Career Outlook. Michigan’s Hot 50 brochure provides a comprehensive list of careers projected to have high demand and offer competitive wages, with the projections extending until 2030. This informative resource includes key details such as job titles, projected annual job openings, hourly wage ranges, insights into job growth, and the necessary education or training levels.

For people with a high school diploma and short-term training, several careers are expected to experience heightened demand over the next eight years. These careers include amusement and recreation attendants, animal caretakers, exercise trainers, group fitness instructors, bartenders, hosts, and hostesses.

On the other hand, for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the demand is projected to be strong for professions including general and operations managers, accountants, auditors, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, and industrial engineers.

The information gathered in these lists is valuable for students and job seekers. It assists them in making informed decisions about their future paths.

"It is our goal to provide our education and workforce partners with the information they need to help Michiganders find their path to high-demand, high-wage jobs," Scott Powell, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, said in a news release.

Check out these five most in-demand jobs in Michigan, as highlighted by Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. See the complete list here.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,545, offering an hourly wage spanning from $29 to $72. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 11.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree alongside relevant work experience.

The projected annual job openings amount to 7,635, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $29. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12.7%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a postsecondary nondegree award, short-term on-the-job training, or a license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 8,240, offering an hourly wage spanning from $21 to $40. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 9.6%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include moderate on-the-job training.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,345, offering an hourly wage spanning from $30 to $38. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 7.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 1,420, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $30. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.