LPN Salary

Detroit vs Niles: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Detroit, MI and Niles, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$73,250
$35.22/hr
Niles, MI
$78,778
$37.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MINiles, MI
Median Salary$73,250$78,778
Hourly Rate$35.22$37.87
Entry Level (P10)$65,058$64,392
25th Percentile$67,130$66,654
75th Percentile$79,317$83,440
Top Earner (P90)$82,224$88,365
Total Employed4,540120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($73,250) and Niles ($78,778) licensed practical nurse salaries.DetroitNilesMedian Salary$73,250$78,778Entry Level (P10)$65,058$64,392Top Earner (P90)$82,224$88,365US Median $68,071

Verdict

Niles, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Detroit.

The salary gap between Detroit and Niles is $5,528 (7.55%). Niles's median is +15.73% compared to the US national median of $68,071.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $17,166,Niles spans $23,973. Niles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$65,058
P25$67,130
Median$73,250
P75$79,317
P90 (Top)$82,224
Niles
P10 (Entry)$64,392
P25$66,654
Median$78,778
P75$83,440
P90 (Top)$88,365

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Niles ($85,285 effective) pays 16.78% more than Detroit ($73,032 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $73,250
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $73,032
Niles
Nominal: $78,778
CoL Index: 92.37
Adjusted: $85,285

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 (4,540 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Niles if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,778/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($88,365)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,285)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Detroit grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.4% growth in Niles over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+27.8%

$54,210 (2019) → $69,300 (2025)

Niles, MI

+58.4%

$47,040 (2019) → $74,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Detroit or Niles?

Niles has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $78,778/year, compared to Detroit at $73,250/year — a difference of $5,528 (7.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Niles?

Detroit licensed practical nurses earn $35.22/hr while Niles hygienists earn $37.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Niles as a licensed practical nurse?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Niles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $73,032, Niles = $85,285), job availability (4,540 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Detroit vs Niles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $65,058 in Detroit and $64,392 in Niles. The Detroit area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Thompson, LPNData verified by Maria Gonzalez, LPN

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