Ann Arbor vs Battle Creek: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Battle Creek, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Battle Creek, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,356 | $69,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.86 | $33.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,816 | $58,928▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,587 | $65,851▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394 | $80,469▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,721▲ | $80,469 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor and Battle Creek are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Battle Creek is $730 (1.07%). Battle Creek's median is +1.49% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $27,905,Battle Creek spans $21,541. Ann Arbor 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, Battle Creek ($76,304 effective) pays 12.61% more than Ann Arbor ($67,760 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,721)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Battle Creek if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,086/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,304)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Ann Arbor grew 18.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Battle Creek over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$54,690 (2019) → $64,670 (2025)
Battle Creek, MI
$50,130 (2019) → $65,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Battle Creek, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ann Arbor or Battle Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Battle Creek?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Battle Creek as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ann Arbor vs Battle Creek?
Related Comparisons
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