Registered Nurse Salary in Detroit, MI (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$92,680
in Detroit · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$94,391
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#84
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Detroit
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Detroit, MI is $92,680 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,723/month or $45/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Detroit pays 4% less than the typical city.
Detroit has a cost of living index of 98.2 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $92,680 in Detroit is equivalent to $94,391 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Detroit metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Detroit
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $120,520 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $69,550 |
| Electrician | $75,730 |
| Accountant | $91,040 |
Full cost of living profile for Detroit
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Detroit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Detroit?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Detroit, MI is $92,680 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Detroit Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Detroit Registered Nurse pay ($92,680) is 4% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit has a cost of living index of 98.2 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $92,680 salary in Detroit has the purchasing power of approximately $94,391 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology