Healthcare Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

Registered Nurse Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median registered nurse salary in Detroit, MI is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$71,474
vs State Avg
$-1,624
vs National
$-9,746
Cost of Living
88%

Registered Nurse Pay in Detroit: What to Expect (2026)

Detroit offers a median registered nurse salary of $71,474, which is $1,624 below the Michigan state average of $73,098. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $71,474 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Detroit spans from $50,512 at the 10th percentile to $106,304 at the 90th percentile — a $55,792 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $101,200. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Registered Nurse Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $101,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$101,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $50,512
25th Percentile $58,784
Median (50th) $71,474
75th Percentile $88,968
90th Percentile $106,304

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$85,281
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$73,098
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$71,474
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$69,849
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Detroit

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Detroit may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Detroit

Browse open registered nurse positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Detroit

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Detroit, Michigan is $71,474 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $50,512 (10th percentile) to $106,304 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,474, a registered nurse in Detroit earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Detroit's median registered nurse salary of $71,474 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $73,098. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $71,474 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Detroit? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Detroit require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.