Detroit vs East Lansing: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Detroit, MI and East Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | East Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,207▲ | $131,369 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.48▲ | $63.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,246▲ | $103,135 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,844▲ | $120,471 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,779 | $152,545▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,111 | $184,347▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Lansing.
The salary gap between Detroit and East Lansing is $4,838 (3.68%). Detroit's median is -2.98% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $55,865,East Lansing spans $81,212. East Lansing has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, East Lansing ($140,954 effective) pays 3.79% more than Detroit ($135,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,207/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose East Lansing if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,347)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,954)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Detroit grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in East Lansing over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$113,650 (2019) → $131,830 (2025)
East Lansing, MI
$109,362 (2024) → $127,148 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
East Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Detroit or East Lansing?
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Should I relocate from Detroit to East Lansing as a physician assistant?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov