LPN Salary

Dearborn Heights vs Lansing: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dearborn Heights, MI
$68,303
$32.84/hr
Lansing, MI
$70,481
$33.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDearborn Heights, MILansing, MI
Median Salary$68,303$70,481
Hourly Rate$32.84$33.89
Entry Level (P10)$51,290$56,951
25th Percentile$60,967$65,872
75th Percentile$78,701$77,161
Top Earner (P90)$91,595$82,721
Total Employed13360
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dearborn Heights ($68,303) and Lansing ($70,481) licensed practical nurse salaries.Dearborn HeightsLansingMedian Salary$68,303$70,481Entry Level (P10)$51,290$56,951Top Earner (P90)$91,595$82,721US Median $68,071

Verdict

Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.

The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Lansing is $2,178 (3.19%). Lansing's median is +3.54% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $40,305,Lansing spans $25,770. Dearborn Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dearborn Heights
P10 (Entry)$51,290
P25$60,967
Median$68,303
P75$78,701
P90 (Top)$91,595
Lansing
P10 (Entry)$56,951
P25$65,872
Median$70,481
P75$77,161
P90 (Top)$82,721

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lansing ($74,198 effective) pays 1.24% more than Dearborn Heights ($73,286 effective).

Dearborn Heights
Nominal: $68,303
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $73,286
Lansing
Nominal: $70,481
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $74,198

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dearborn Heights if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($91,595)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Lansing if…

  • Higher median salary ($70,481/year)
  • Larger job market (360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,198)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 19.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Lansing over the same period.

Dearborn Heights, MI

+19.6%

$54,014 (2024) → $64,620 (2025)

Lansing, MI

+24.6%

$53,520 (2019) → $66,680 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dearborn Heights or Lansing?

Lansing has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $70,481/year, compared to Dearborn Heights at $68,303/year — a difference of $2,178 (3.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Lansing?

Dearborn Heights licensed practical nurses earn $32.84/hr while Lansing hygienists earn $33.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Lansing as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dearborn Heights and Lansing. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dearborn Heights = $73,286, Lansing = $74,198), job availability (13 vs 360 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Dearborn Heights vs Lansing?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $51,290 in Dearborn Heights and $56,951 in Lansing. The Lansing area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN

Career Analyst

Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov