Ann Arbor vs Waterford: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Waterford, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $148,534▲ | $127,443 |
| Hourly Rate | $71.41▲ | $61.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $127,968▲ | $100,271 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,427▲ | $114,692 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,193▲ | $151,369 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,193▲ | $167,782 |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterford.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Waterford is $21,091 (16.55%). Ann Arbor's median is +8.53% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $44,225,Waterford spans $67,511. Waterford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ann Arbor ($147,238 effective) pays 7.68% more than Waterford ($136,741 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 ($148,534/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,193)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,238)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Waterford if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Ann Arbor grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Waterford over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$114,170 (2019) → $143,580 (2025)
Waterford, MI
$111,869 (2024) → $123,193 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Waterford, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov