Dearborn vs Detroit: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,917 | $102,446▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.00 | $49.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,150 | $82,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,814 | $86,849▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,172▲ | $109,680 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,935▲ | $116,526 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 44,310▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Detroit is $529 (0.52%). Detroit's median is -0.28% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn spans $73,785,Detroit spans $34,237. Dearborn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dearborn ($109,353 effective) pays 7.06% more than Detroit ($102,142 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,935)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,353)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,446/year)
- ✓Larger job market (44,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Dearborn grew 24.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$77,726 (2024) → $96,778 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$75,010 (2019) → $97,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov