RN vs LPN Salary in Michigan: 2026 Comparison
Updated June 2026
In Michigan, RNs earn $94,300 on average while LPNs earn $67,300, a gap of $27,000 per year. The cost of living in Michigan is below the national average (index: 91).
RN Average
$94,300
LPN Average
$67,300
Gap
$27,000
Cost of Living
91
(US avg = 100)
Entry-Level vs Experienced Salary
| Level | RN Salary | LPN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (0-2 years) | $77,000 | $56,000 |
| Average (all experience) | $94,300 | $67,300 |
| Experienced (10+ years) | $117,000 | $78,000 |
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 | $99,000 | $70,000 | $29,000 |
| Grand Rapids-Kentwood | $92,000 | $65,000 | $27,000 |
| Ann Arbor | $102,000 | $72,000 | $30,000 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $89,000 | $65,000 | $24,000 |
| Kalamazoo-Portage | $89,000 | $63,000 | $26,000 |
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
$103,626
$94,300 nominal adjusted to national COL baseline
LPN Purchasing Power
$73,956
$67,300 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 websiteCompare With Neighboring States
Michigan RN vs LPN Salary FAQ
What is the average LPN salary in Michigan?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Michigan earn an average of $67,300 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level LPNs typically start around $56,000, while experienced LPNs with 10 or more years earn about $78,000.
What is the average RN salary in Michigan?
Registered nurses (RNs) in Michigan earn an average of $94,300 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), roughly $27,000 more than LPNs. Entry-level RNs typically start near $77,000, and experienced RNs earn around $117,000.
Which Michigan metro area pays nurses the most?
Among the major Michigan metros, Ann Arbor pays the most, with RNs averaging about $102,000 and LPNs about $72,000 per year. Pay is generally highest in the largest metros, where cost of living and competition for nurses are also higher.
How much more do RNs earn than LPNs in Michigan?
In Michigan, RNs earn an average of $94,300 versus $67,300 for LPNs, a gap of about $27,000 per year. The difference reflects the RN's broader scope of practice and the additional education an RN licence requires.