Cost-of-Living-Adjusted Earnings

Emsi’s industry or occupation earnings, adjusted by the C2ER Cost of Living Index.

The Cost of Living index is 100-based, with an index above 100 indicating that the cost of living is higher than average in the region of study. Likewise, an index below 100 indicates that the cost of living is lower than average in the region of study.

To create COL-adjusted earnings, we divide earnings by the index, then multiply the result by 100.

Example:

• Total Earnings for Manufacturing in Michigan: $78,616
• Cost of Living in Michigan: 98.5
• Cost of Living Adjusted Earnings: $79,813.20*

For more information about how Cost of Living is calculated, click here.