Ann Arbor vs Lansing: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,467▲ | $41,056 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82▲ | $19.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,224▲ | $39,032 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,321▲ | $39,341 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,650▲ | $46,647 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,650▲ | $49,459 |
| Total Employed | 3,430▲ | 1,650 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Lansing is $6,411 (15.62%). 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,Lansing spans $10,427. Lansing has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($47,053 effective) pays 8.87% more than Lansing ($43,221 effective).
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 Lansing 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 20.1% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$33,660 (2019) → $44,570 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$32,100 (2019) → $38,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Ann Arbor or Lansing?
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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.
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