Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dearborn Heights, MI: $68,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Dearborn Heights, MI earns a median $68,303/year (≈ $32.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Dearborn Heights's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $73,286 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dearborn Heights, the projected licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 is set at $68,303, which reflects a marginal increase when compared to the national median of $68,071. Local figures show a salary range from $51,290 at the lower 10th percentile to $91,595 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential variability in earnings depending on the practice setting. The area's cost of living, calculated with regional price adjustments, indicates that practical nurses’ salaries are competitive, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, which tend to offer higher compensation compared to home health agencies and clinics. These dynamics inform the choices LPNs make in their careers, with many gravitating towards long-term care settings that not only pay more but also provide a consistent demand for skilled nursing services.
About the Dearborn Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,967 | $29.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,303 | $32.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,701 | $37.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,595 | $44.03 |
Median Salary Position
0.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dearborn Heights
In Dearborn Heights, MI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,305 (2026 est.). At $68,303, the local median is 0.34% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dearborn Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dearborn Heights Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Dearborn Heights median: $68,303/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dearborn Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $68,372 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +0.34% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Dearborn Heights, MI earn a median of $68,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.34% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% below the Michigan state average of $68,372.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dearborn Heights has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dearborn Heights, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $68,303 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,286 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,642
2025 BLS Actual
$64,620
2026 Current Est.
$68,303
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dearborn Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,642 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,987 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,234 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,807 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,014 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,642 (2019) to $64,620 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,555 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dearborn Heights 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,290 – $60,967 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,967 – $68,303 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,303 – $78,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,701 – $91,595 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Dearborn Heights
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Dearborn Heights currently employs a modest number of LPNs, with only 13 actively working in the area. The cost of living index at 93.2 suggests that while salaries are attractive, the affordability of housing and goods must be considered when evaluating take-home pay. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest salaries, making them a primary choice for LPNs seeking better compensation. Factors such as shift differentials, weekend and holiday pay, and specialized certifications like IV therapy can significantly influence the earning capacity within this market. For those looking to maximize their income, pursuing opportunities in high-demand settings and obtaining additional certifications can be effective strategies, positioning LPNs for higher-paying roles in Dearborn Heights, MI.
More salary data for Dearborn Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Dearborn Heights, MI in 2026?
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Dearborn Heights?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Dearborn Heights?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,620 for licensed practical nursesin the Dearborn Heights metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dearborn Heights is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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