Grand Rapids vs Traverse City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,948▲ | $65,809 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.15▲ | $31.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,399▲ | $54,901 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,953▲ | $64,223 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,098 | $77,985▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,879 | $82,996▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,230▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Traverse City.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Traverse City is $3,139 (4.77%). 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,Traverse City spans $28,095. Traverse City 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 2.39% more than Traverse City ($70,480 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 Traverse City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,996)
- ✓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 4.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$46,630 (2019) → $65,230 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$59,740 (2024) → $62,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Grand Rapids or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Traverse City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Grand Rapids vs Traverse City?
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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