Detroit vs Midland: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Detroit, MI and Midland, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Midland, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,250▲ | $67,754 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.22▲ | $32.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,058▲ | $56,243 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,130▲ | $56,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,317▲ | $75,449 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,224 | $82,552▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,540▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Midland.
The salary gap between Detroit and Midland is $5,496 (8.11%). Detroit's median is +7.61% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $17,166,Midland spans $26,309. Midland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Midland ($73,709 effective) pays 0.93% more than Detroit ($73,032 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,250/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Midland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,552)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,709)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Detroit grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.9% growth in Midland over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$54,210 (2019) → $69,300 (2025)
Midland, MI
$46,830 (2019) → $64,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Midland, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Detroit or Midland?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to Midland as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Detroit vs Midland?
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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.
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