Grand Rapids vs Pontiac: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Pontiac, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Pontiac, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,948▲ | $66,008 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.15▲ | $31.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,399▲ | $51,265 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,953▲ | $60,191 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,098 | $77,329▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,879 | $84,039▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,230▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pontiac.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Pontiac is $2,940 (4.45%). 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 Grand Rapids spans $24,480,Pontiac spans $32,774. Pontiac 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, Grand Rapids ($72,162 effective) pays 1.89% more than Pontiac ($70,824 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,948/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,162)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Pontiac if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,039)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Grand Rapids grew 39.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Pontiac over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$46,630 (2019) → $65,230 (2025)
Pontiac, MI
$52,199 (2024) → $62,448 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Pontiac, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Grand Rapids or Pontiac?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Pontiac?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Pontiac as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Grand Rapids vs Pontiac?
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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.
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