Michigan Nurse Salary Guide

RN Salaries in Michigan — 2026

Average registered nurse compensation in Michigan across seven career stages — from new grad RN to Chief Nursing Officer. Updated 2026 benchmarks to help you negotiate, plan, and grow.

New Grad RN: $54,000 Staff Nurse: $74,000 2026 Data
RN salary in Michigan 2026 — staff nurse average $74,000 a year

RN Salary by Role in Michigan

Michigan 2026 DATA
New Grad RN
$54,000/yr
Staff Nurse (RN)
$74,000/yr
Specialty Nurse (ICU, ER, OR)
$84,000/yr
Nurse Manager
$94,000/yr
Advanced Practice RN (APRN)
$94,000/yr
Director of Nursing
$109,000/yr
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)
$129,000/yr

RN Pay by Metro in Michigan

Where you work inside Michigan moves your paycheck. Here is what registered nurses earn in each major Michigan market, compared with the national RN median of $97,550. Tap a metro for hospitals, openings and cost of living.

MetroMedian RN payTypical rangeNP median
Detroit$97,280$82,470 – $104,150$134,390
Grand Rapids$83,920$80,950 – $101,050$125,660

Powered by RN Workforce Insights™. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.

About RN Pay in Michigan

RN salaries in Michigan sit close to the national average, with staff nurses earning around $74,000 a year.

Pay climbs steadily with experience and responsibility. New grad RNs in Michigan typically start around $54,000, while nurses who move into specialty units like the ICU, ER, or OR can expect closer to $84,000. Stepping into leadership pays off too — nurse managers average around $94,000, directors of nursing around $109,000, and chief nursing officers can earn $129,000 or more. Nurses who pursue advanced practice (NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM) report average earnings near $94,000.

Nurse Licensure Compact legislation in Michigan is pending implementation. Until it takes effect, nurses relocating to or from Michigan should apply for licensure by endorsement through the Michigan Board of Nursing.

As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Staff RNs in Michigan average around $74,000 a year, while new grad RNs typically start near $54,000. Nurses in specialty units (ICU, ER, OR) average closer to $84,000.
Nurse managers in Michigan average around $94,000, about $20,000 more than staff RNs. Directors of nursing average around $109,000, and chief nursing officers can earn $129,000 or more.
Michigan has passed Nurse Licensure Compact legislation, but it has not yet taken effect. Until then, apply for licensure by endorsement through the Michigan Board of Nursing.
Staff RN pay in Michigan, averaging $74,000, is close to the national average for staff RNs, which sits around $75,000.

Know your number, then get matched with roles that pay it.

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