Dearborn Heights vs Grand Rapids: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn Heights, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,303 | $68,948▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.84 | $33.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,290 | $58,399▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,967 | $64,953▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,701▲ | $77,098 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,595▲ | $82,879 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 1,230▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.
The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Grand Rapids is $645 (0.94%). Grand Rapids's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $40,305,Grand Rapids spans $24,480. Dearborn Heights 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 Heights ($73,286 effective) pays 1.56% more than Grand Rapids ($72,162 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,595)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,286)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,948/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 19.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.9% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Dearborn Heights, MI
$54,014 (2024) → $64,620 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$46,630 (2019) → $65,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn Heights, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Dearborn Heights or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Grand Rapids as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Dearborn Heights vs Grand Rapids?
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