Lansing vs Muskegon: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Lansing, MI and Muskegon, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Muskegon, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,481▲ | $65,841 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.89▲ | $31.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,951▲ | $52,364 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,872▲ | $58,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,161▲ | $75,967 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,721▲ | $81,537 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskegon.
The salary gap between Lansing and Muskegon is $4,640 (7.05%). Lansing's median is +3.54% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $25,770,Muskegon spans $29,173. Muskegon 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, Lansing ($74,198 effective) pays 4.26% more than Muskegon ($71,165 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,721)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,198)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Muskegon if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Lansing grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Muskegon over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$53,520 (2019) → $66,680 (2025)
Muskegon, MI
$45,990 (2019) → $62,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Muskegon, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Lansing or Muskegon?
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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