CNA Salary

Ann Arbor vs Inkster: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Inkster, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$47,467
$22.82/hr
Inkster, MI
$40,351
$19.40/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MIInkster, MI
Median Salary$47,467$40,351
Hourly Rate$22.82$19.40
Entry Level (P10)$39,224$34,451
25th Percentile$40,321$36,405
75th Percentile$49,650$44,131
Top Earner (P90)$49,650$46,906
Total Employed3,4305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($47,467) and Inkster ($40,351) certified nursing assistant salaries.Ann ArborInksterMedian Salary$47,467$40,351Entry Level (P10)$39,224$34,451Top Earner (P90)$49,650$46,906US Median $45,007

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Inkster.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Inkster is $7,116 (17.64%). Ann Arbor's median is +5.47% compared to the US national median of $45,007.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $10,426,Inkster spans $12,455. Inkster has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$39,224
P25$40,321
Median$47,467
P75$49,650
P90 (Top)$49,650
Inkster
P10 (Entry)$34,451
P25$36,405
Median$40,351
P75$44,131
P90 (Top)$46,906

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($47,053 effective) pays 8.68% more than Inkster ($43,295 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $47,467
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $47,053
Inkster
Nominal: $40,351
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $43,295

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,467/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($49,650)
  • Larger job market (3,430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,053)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Inkster if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Ann Arbor grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Inkster over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+32.4%

$33,660 (2019) → $44,570 (2025)

Inkster, MI

+14.3%

$33,161 (2024) → $37,888 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ann Arbor or Inkster?

Ann Arbor has a higher median certified nursing assistant salary at $47,467/year, compared to Inkster at $40,351/year — a difference of $7,116 (17.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Inkster?

Ann Arbor certified nursing assistants earn $22.82/hr while Inkster hygienists earn $19.40/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Inkster as a certified nursing assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Inkster. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $47,053, Inkster = $43,295), job availability (3,430 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Ann Arbor vs Inkster?

Entry-level (10th percentile) certified nursing assistants earn $39,224 in Ann Arbor and $34,451 in Inkster. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN

Career Analyst

Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, CNAData verified by Sara Patel, RN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov