RN vs LPN Salary in Michigan: 2026 Comparison
Updated 16 April 2026
In Michigan, RNs earn $76,000 on average while LPNs earn $52,000, a gap of $24,000 per year. The cost of living in Michigan is below the national average (index: 91).
RN Average
$76,000
LPN Average
$52,000
Gap
$24,000
Cost of Living
91
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $60,000 | $42,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $76,000 | $52,000 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $92,000 | $62,000 |
Metro Area Breakdown
Salaries vary within Michigan depending on the metro area. Larger cities with higher costs of living and more competition for nurses tend to pay more.
| Metro Area | RN Average | LPN Average | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $80,000 | $54,000 | $26,000 |
| Grand Rapids-Kentwood | $74,000 | $50,000 | $24,000 |
| Ann Arbor | $82,000 | $56,000 | $26,000 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $72,000 | $50,000 | $22,000 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | $72,000 | $49,000 | $23,000 |
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Michigan has a cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100). Here is what nursing salaries feel like after adjusting for local purchasing power.
RN Purchasing Power
$83,516
$76,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$57,143
$52,000 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
Michigan Scope of Practice Notes
Michigan is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs in Michigan may not start IV infusions but can monitor existing lines under RN supervision. Michigan has a strong nursing workforce pipeline through its many university and community college programs.
For the full comparison, see our RN vs LPN scope of practice page.
Top Healthcare Employers in Michigan
Beaumont Health (Corewell)
Michigan Medicine (U of M)
Spectrum Health (Corewell)
Henry Ford Health
Ascension Michigan
Michigan Board of Nursing
Always verify licensing requirements, fees, and continuing education obligations with your state board of nursing.
Michigan Board of Nursing website