Dearborn vs Grand Rapids: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Dearborn, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,917▲ | $88,376 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.00▲ | $42.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,150 | $83,026▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,814 | $85,248▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,172▲ | $106,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,935▲ | $107,227 |
| Total Employed | 19 | 13,740▲ |
Verdict
Dearborn, MI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Dearborn and Grand Rapids is $13,541 (15.32%). Dearborn's median is -0.79% 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,Grand Rapids spans $24,201. 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 18.22% more than Grand Rapids ($92,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,917/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,935)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,353)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (13,740 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 25.2% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn, MI
$77,726 (2024) → $96,778 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$67,040 (2019) → $83,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn, MI
Grand Rapids, 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