M-1 Rail Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at M-1 Rail in the United States is $98,909. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $48. Salaries at M-1 Rail typically range from $87,044 to $111,769 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Is M-1 Rail’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does M-1 Rail's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Kirklees Light Railway $97,611
-1.3%
Suggests Kirklees Light Railway utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Hunter Railway Systems Inc $106,461
+7.6%
Reflects structural premiums typical of Hunter Railway Systems Inc's large-cap national operations.
Us Federal Railroad Admin $87,010
-12.0%
Typical compensation structure for smaller regional agencies like Us Federal Railroad Admin.
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers $100,259
+1.4%
Confirms Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers is a direct competitor vying for the exact same talent pool.
Transportation Industry $125,356
+26.7%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at M-1 Rail

Considering a career at M-1 Rail? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
The team is competent, and collaboration is efficient. Communication from upper management is clear and frequent. A reliable employer. What stands out is their commitment to safety - we have monthly training sessions and top-quality protective gear. The work environment is collaborative, and there are plenty of opportunities for growth.
While there aren’t many extra incentives, the job security is a plus. While no job is perfect, the positives far outweigh any minor challenges. The company provides ample opportunities for growth, and the team is very supportive. I appreciate the company's commitment to continuous improvement. Benefits are adequate for the industry. A rewarding workplace!. Happy to be part of this organization.
The company’s commitment to employee satisfaction is evident. Reliable employer. The pay is competitive, and there are opportunities for overtime. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage and retirement matching.
The transportation projects are large-scale and interesting. Benefits like health insurance and retirement plans are provided, though not exceptional. The company maintains professional standards and provides adequate training for all positions.

M-1 Rail Overview

Website
www.m-1rail.com
Founded In
2007
Employees
50 - 100 employees
Industry
Transportation
Headquarter Address
7520 Woodward Ave Detroit Michigan MI 48202
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 8005113931
Social Media
About M-1 Rail
M-1 RAIL owns and operates the QLINE, a 6.6-mile circulating streetcar loop serving 12 locations on Woodward Ave. from Downtown Detroit through Midtown, New Center and the North End. The QLINE is the first major transit project led and funded by private businesses and philanthropic organizations, in partnership with local, state and the federal government.

What Benefits Does M-1 Rail Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. M-1 Rail offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Detroit?

Understanding the cost of living near Detroit is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at M-1 Rail.
Detroit's Cost of Living Index is approximately 97.6 (2.4% less expensive than US average; 6.9% more than MI average). Housing varies extremely by neighborhood (very cheap to expensive gentrified), overall costs can be low. DDOT/SMART bus, QLine. When planning your budget based on a salary from M-1 Rail, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $800 - $1,500+ (Highly variable) A significant portion of M-1 Rail salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $150 - $250 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $70 (DDOT/SMART monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $390 - $570 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $350 - $650+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $370 - $690+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,130 - $3,660+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of M-1 Rail

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at M-1 Rail?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at M-1 Rail is approximately from $87,044 to $111,769. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does M-1 Rail pay compared to Kirklees Light Railway?

The average annual salary at M-1 Rail is $98,909, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to Kirklees Light Railway which pays $97,611 per year or $47 per hour.

3. How does experience level affect salary at M-1 Rail?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at M-1 Rail, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

4. How can I determine if a salary offer from M-1 Rail in Detroit is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from M-1 Rail in Detroit is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at M-1 Rail and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Detroit" to understand its purchasing power.

5. What are the key factors that influence salary levels at M-1 Rail?

Several key factors influence salary levels at M-1 Rail. These primarily include: 1. Job Role & Responsibilities: More complex roles with greater impact typically command higher pay. 2. Experience & Skills: Your years of relevant experience and specific in-demand skills are critical. 3. Performance: Strong performance can lead to higher raises and bonuses. 4. Location: Office location impacts pay due to varying local market rates and cost of living. 5. Industry Benchmarks: M-1 Rail likely benchmarks its salaries against other companies in the Transportation sector. You can explore how these factors play out in our detailed salary data.