Ann Arbor vs Royal Oak: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Royal Oak, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Royal Oak, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,356▲ | $67,518 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.86▲ | $32.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,816▲ | $54,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,587▲ | $63,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,394 | $80,959▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,721 | $88,803▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Royal Oak.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Royal Oak is $838 (1.24%). Ann Arbor's median is +0.42% 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,Royal Oak spans $34,023. Royal Oak has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Royal Oak ($72,444 effective) pays 6.91% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,356/year)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Royal Oak if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,803)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,444)
- ✓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 19.6% growth in Royal Oak over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$54,690 (2019) → $64,670 (2025)
Royal Oak, MI
$53,393 (2024) → $63,877 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Royal Oak, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Ann Arbor or Royal Oak?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Royal Oak?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Royal Oak as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Ann Arbor vs Royal Oak?
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