Average RN Salary in Michigan: See How Much MI Nurses Make
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Credit: Brandon Bartoszek | Moment | Getty ImagesAccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 100,000 nurses work in Michigan’s healthcare facilities and health systems. Michigan has a higher employment rate than the national average.
There are many large healthcare organizations in Michigan, including Beaumont Health, the Henry Ford Health System, and the University of Michigan Health.
Some of the best educational institutions in the world are in Michigan, along with top-rated nursing programs. Continue reading this guide to gather the tools you need for negotiating a competitive RN salary in Michigan.
- Average Michigan RN Salary: $75,930 (Ranks 17th among all states)
- Hourly Michigan RN Salary: $36.51
- Projected Michigan RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 9.8%
Average Registered Nurse Salaries in Michigan
The BLS reports the average RN salary Michigan offers is $36.88 hourly. The average annual registered nurse salary in Michigan is $75,930.
The BLS reports the national average salary for registered nurses (RNs) is $82,750 annually and $39.78 per hour. Nurses with advanced degrees, such APRN certifications (e.g., nurse practitioners), earn an average of $108,770 in Michigan, compared to the average annual salary of $118,040 for nurse practitioners.
The lowest 10% of RN salaries in the state are around $60,120; the top 90% of RNs salaries are approximately $98,510, compared to Michigan’s median annual salary of $76,710.
Factors that impact the RN salary in Michigan include the workplace setting, degree type (e.g. ASN vs. BSN) any specializations or certifications held, geographic location, and cost of living.
The average cost of living depends on where in Michigan you decide to put down roots. The cost of living in Michigan is lower than the national average; 91.4, compared to 100 for the national index. This translates to cost savings for students considering Michigan as their state of residence.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $61,120 | $28.90 |
| 25% | $62,160 | $29.89 |
| 50% (Median) | $76,710 | $36.88 |
| 75% | $79,880 | $38.40 |
| 90% | $98,510 | $47.36 |
Source:BLS
Michigan RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
“Cost of living” is a phrase describing the amount of money required for necessities: rent, mortgage payments, utilities, food, and taxes. It is tied specifically to the geographic area where a person lives, and the particular time span. This gauge can help compare the value of a person’s income/salary from one geographic area in the country to another. It can also help nurses negotiate a fair RN salary in Michigan.
Michigan ranks as the state with the 28th highest cost of living in the U.S. The cost-of-living index in Michigan is ranked at 94%; this translates to 6% below the national average.
The average salary for a registered nurse in Michigan is $80,486, which ranks 16th in U.S. states after a cost-of-living adjustment.
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Michigan
Michigan offers communities of all sizes to consider pursuing your nursing career. The University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor is renowned for its medical research, education, and medical technology advancements. Nurses in Ann Arbor are among the highest paid in the state.
Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan is a top-ranking Level 1 Trauma Center, and home to Michigan’s first-ever certified Comprehensive Stroke Center. The stroke center is one of only 20 nationwide. These institutions make East Lansing the next highest-paying location for Michigan RNs.
Other high-paying but smaller cities in Michigan include Bay City, located south of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. The area has nightlife, restaurants, state parks, and a rail trail system.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MI | $84,830 |
| Lansing — East Lansing, MI | $78,890 |
| Bay City, MI | $78,670 |
| Flint, MI | $78,020 |
| Midland, MI | $77,740 |
Source:BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Michigan
Nursing assistants interested in higher-paying nursing roles in Michigan may consider enrolling in a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) program. If you are looking for a way to increase your earning potential as a healthcare worker and are not an RN, you may consider a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program or a four-year bachelor of science degree (BSN) program in Michigan.
Registered nurses (RNs) looking for career advancement opportunities might enroll in an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) program such as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, or nurse anesthetist.
- Nursing Assistants: $33,790
- LPN/LVNs: $54,090
- Nurse Midwives: $112,370
- Nurse Practitioners: $108,770
- Nurse Anesthetists: $218,240
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