Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Pontiac, MI: $66,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Pontiac, MI earns a median $66,008/year (≈ $31.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Pontiac's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $70,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pontiac, MI, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $66,008 in 2026, reflecting the state's specific scope-of-practice rules that empower LPNs with IV therapy and assessment duties. This competitive figure places the local salary landscape within a range from $51,265 at the 10th percentile to $84,039 at the 90th percentile. These estimates draw from state-level BLS data and regional cost of living adjustments, positioning Pontiac slightly below the national median of $68,071. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the city's job market is anticipated to grow with increased demand for skilled nursing professionals, particularly within long-term care settings.
About the Pontiac Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,265 | $24.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,191 | $28.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,008 | $31.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,329 | $37.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,039 | $40.40 |
Median Salary Position
3.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pontiac
In Pontiac, MI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,774 (2026 est.). At $66,008, the local median is 3.03% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pontiac: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pontiac Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Pontiac median: $66,008/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pontiac Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $68,331 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -3.03% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Pontiac, MI earn a median of $66,008 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.03% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 3.40% below the Michigan state average of $68,331.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pontiac has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pontiac, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $66,008 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,824 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,041
2025 BLS Actual
$62,448
2026 Current Est.
$66,008
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Pontiac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,340 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,964 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,199 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pontiac metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $46,041 (2019) to $62,448 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,729 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pontiac metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,265 – $60,191 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,191 – $66,008 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,008 – $77,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,329 – $84,039 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Pontiac
Currently, Pontiac employs a modest number of 12 licensed practical nurses, revealing both opportunities and challenges for job seekers. The area's cost of living index stands at 93.2, which suggests a more affordable environment for LPNs compared to national averages, ultimately enhancing take-home pay and purchasing power. Notably, skilled nursing facilities are typically the highest-paying employers within Pontiac, followed by home health agencies and physician offices. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include work settings, with skilled nursing positions offering better pay due to the level of care required. LPNs can enhance their earnings by pursuing certifications in IV therapy, working shifts that offer differentials, or taking on extra duties in high-demand units. These strategies are pivotal for anyone contemplating how much do licensed practical nurses make in Pontiac and looking to maximize their earning potential in the region.
More salary data for Pontiac, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,448 for licensed practical nursesin the Pontiac metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pontiac is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov