TALENT & EDUCATION
Talent
The Detroit Region’s large workforce allows companies to successfully launch from day one and scale as growth demands.
The Detroit Region has one of the largest workforces in the United States. It provides employers of all sizes access to a vast talent pool, ensuring they can launch quickly and scale confidently. A strong network of 34 universities and community colleges provides a steady stream of highly educated graduates, providing talent that can grow alongside your company over time.
2.6 million workers
With 2.6 million workers, the Detroit Region’s workforce is the #10 largest talent hub in the nation.
One million more workers than other high growth regions
Even if other states are projected to grow at a higher rate, it will take them years to reach the size of Michigan’s workforce in 2025 — other metros are growing, but we have already grown.
No. 1 for graduate retention
1.7 million regional residents have a degree, including more than 811,000 with bachelor’s degree and 364,000 with an associate’s degree (2025).
The Detroit Region boasts an innovation-driven, uniquely skilled workforce capable of supporting the full spectrum of talent needs.
With expertise spanning from concept to mass production, our workforce is prepared to address the full set of needs required for next-generation mobility, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy technologies — establishing the region as a leader in these industries. Supporting North America’s largest automotive cluster, the Detroit Region’s workforce is uniquely positioned to support the full vertical required by companies seeking specialized talent in high-tech sectors.
Detroit ranks No. 1 for assemblers and fabricators out of all U.S. metros.
Detroit has the second greatest concentration of engineering talent out of all U.S. metros, with more than 110,000 engineers in the region.
Michigan makes up 67%of the U.S. share of automotive and mobility R&D.
The Detroit Region boasts nearly 98,000 tech workers, including nearly 40,000 software developers.
Detroit ranks as the 3rd best U.S. market for offering high quality-low cost talent.
The Detroit market ranks 4th for accommodating female tech workers.
Education
Our top-notch universities and community colleges support a highly educated, dynamic workforce that offers stability and adaptability.
Employers in the Detroit Region thrive on our exceptional higher education system, ensuring access to the talent required both now, and in the future. The region’s nine community colleges excel in creating custom training programs and technical training centers, allowing employers opportunities to develop specialized talent as business needs emerge and technology evolves. With top-ranked universities and colleges consistently producing the finest graduates and boasting the nation’s highest graduate retention rates, businesses enjoy a steady influx of skilled professionals year after year.
There are more than 66,000 annual completions from regional institutions.
The region is home to 34 colleges and universities that enroll 238,000 students annually.
In the region, 10 colleges and universities rank in the Top 10 nationally for a specific degree conferred.
The University of Michigan is ranked as the nation’s third-best public university and business school.
More than 40,000 foreign students study at Michigan’s colleges and universities.
Community colleges in the Detroit Region have more than 17,000 completions and nearly 89,000 enrolled annually.
The Detroit Region’s diverse workforce enables innovation and provides a welcoming environment to companies from around the world.
The Detroit Region has one of the most diverse populations in the country, offering a beautiful mosaic of cultures, languages, skills, and perspectives. Companies choosing the Detroit Region benefit from a workforce with diverse viewpoints and experience that help drive innovation. This provides the foundation for a welcoming community where international professionals and their families are supported.
Strong expat communities and support networks
Top location for international students
Michigan ranks #8 for international students and more than 500,000 foreign-born residents live here.
