Detroit vs Ann Arbor: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Detroit, MI and Ann Arbor, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Ann Arbor, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,494 | $47,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.43 | $22.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,364▲ | $39,224 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,162▲ | $40,321 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,989 | $49,650▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,715▲ | $49,650 |
| Total Employed | 17,300▲ | 3,430 |
Verdict
Detroit and Ann Arbor are closely matched on overall certified nursing assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Detroit and Ann Arbor is $4,973 (11.70%). 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 Detroit spans $10,351,Ann Arbor spans $10,426. Ann Arbor 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 11.06% more than Detroit ($42,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,715)
- ✓Larger job market (17,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,467/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,053)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Detroit grew 27.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Ann Arbor over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$31,230 (2019) → $39,900 (2025)
Ann Arbor, MI
$33,660 (2019) → $44,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Ann Arbor, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Detroit or Ann Arbor?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Ann Arbor?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Ann Arbor as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Detroit vs Ann Arbor?
Related Comparisons
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