Detroit vs Ann Arbor: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Detroit, MI and Ann Arbor, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,446 | $108,943▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.25 | $52.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,289 | $87,070▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,849 | $92,336▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,680 | $142,516▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,526 | $142,516▲ |
| Total Employed | 44,310▲ | 10,980 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.
The salary gap between Detroit and Ann Arbor is $6,497 (6.34%). Ann Arbor's median is +6.05% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $34,237,Ann Arbor spans $55,446. Ann Arbor has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($107,993 effective) pays 5.73% 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 Detroit if…
- ✓Larger job market (44,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,516)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,993)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Detroit grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Ann Arbor over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$75,010 (2019) → $97,280 (2025)
Ann Arbor, MI
$77,050 (2019) → $103,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Ann Arbor, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Detroit or Ann Arbor?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to Ann Arbor as a registered nurse?
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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