Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Detroit, MI: $35.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Detroit, MI runs $35.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,250 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Detroit's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.3, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,954 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Detroit, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $35.22 in 2026, which stands above the national median of $32.73. For part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses working three days a week, this translates to a substantial income that can support a range of living situations and career paths, especially within skilled nursing facilities, home health care, doctor’s offices, and hospice environments. The hourly pay range for LPNs in the city spans from $31.28 for entry-level positions to approximately $39.53 for top earners. This data originates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects the unique economic environment and demand for healthcare professionals in the Detroit area.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.28 | $250.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.27 | $258.16 |
| Median (P50) | $35.22 | $281.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.14 | $305.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.53 | $316.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Detroit
Based on $35.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.22/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Detroit, MI can expect to earn approximately $73,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,263. With a cost-of-living index of 100.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Detroit.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Detroit
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,408.77 | $6,105 | $73,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $845.26 | $3,663 | $43,954 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $563.51 | $2,442 | $29,302 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Detroit) | $35.22 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Detroit, MI earn a median of $73,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.61% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 7.20% above the Michigan state average of $68,330.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.22/hr = $43,954/year (purchasing power: $43,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,256/year (purchasing power: $73,038).
CoL index: 100.298 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Detroit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Detroit grew 27.9% from $26.06/hr (2019) to $33.32/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Detroit metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Detroit
Considering the versatile working arrangements available to licensed practical nurses, part-time LPNs in Detroit might expect to earn roughly $67,330 annually when working a 24-hour week, compared to their full-time counterparts. For those in per-diem roles, the opportunities can vary widely—while some may earn between $28 and $42 per hour, agency LPNs could command rates up to $60 depending on urgency and staffing needs. The type of employer significantly influences hourly wages; long-term care facilities and home health agencies may offer lower rates, whereas positions in hospitals or specialized clinics could yield higher earnings. Many LPNs opt for lower hourly wages when these come with health benefits, balancing immediate pay against long-term health security. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, especially in a city like Detroit, it’s advisable to negotiate effectively based on their unique circumstances, as tips and strategies can lead to better pay outcomes without sacrificing crucial benefits.
More salary data for Detroit, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Detroit. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov