LPN Salary

Detroit vs Norton Shores: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)

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

Detroit, MI
$73,250
$35.22/hr
Norton Shores, MI
$67,444
$32.43/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MINorton Shores, MI
Median Salary$73,250$67,444
Hourly Rate$35.22$32.43
Entry Level (P10)$65,058$55,605
25th Percentile$67,130$61,824
75th Percentile$79,317$76,524
Top Earner (P90)$82,224$80,584
Total Employed4,5404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($73,250) and Norton Shores ($67,444) licensed practical nurse salaries.DetroitNorton ShoresMedian Salary$73,250$67,444Entry Level (P10)$65,058$55,605Top Earner (P90)$82,224$80,584US Median $68,071

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Detroit and Norton Shores is $5,806 (8.61%). Detroit's median is +7.61% 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,Norton Shores spans $24,979. Norton Shores 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
Norton Shores
P10 (Entry)$55,605
P25$61,824
Median$67,444
P75$76,524
P90 (Top)$80,584

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($73,032 effective) pays 0.92% more than Norton Shores ($72,365 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $73,250
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $73,032
Norton Shores
Nominal: $67,444
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $72,365

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($73,250/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,224)
  • Larger job market (4,540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,032)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Norton Shores if…

  • 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 22.6% growth in Norton Shores over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+27.8%

$54,210 (2019) → $69,300 (2025)

Norton Shores, MI

+22.6%

$52,050 (2024) → $63,807 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Detroit or Norton Shores?

Detroit has a higher median licensed practical nurse salary at $73,250/year, compared to Norton Shores at $67,444/year — a difference of $5,806 (8.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Norton Shores?

Detroit licensed practical nurses earn $35.22/hr while Norton Shores hygienists earn $32.43/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Norton Shores. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $73,032, Norton Shores = $72,365), job availability (4,540 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) licensed practical nurses earn $65,058 in Detroit and $55,605 in Norton Shores. 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