East Lansing vs Grand Rapids: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between East Lansing, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Lansing, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,369 | $136,310▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.16 | $65.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,135 | $106,089▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,471▲ | $116,473 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,545▲ | $141,207 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,347▲ | $163,132 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 940▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Lansing.
The salary gap between East Lansing and Grand Rapids is $4,941 (3.76%). Grand Rapids's median is -2.91% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Lansing spans $81,212,Grand Rapids spans $57,043. East Lansing has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Rapids ($142,664 effective) pays 1.21% more than East Lansing ($140,954 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Lansing if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,347)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,310/year)
- ✓Larger job market (940 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,664)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in East Lansing grew 16.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
East Lansing, MI
$109,362 (2024) → $127,148 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$107,250 (2019) → $131,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Lansing, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: East Lansing or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Lansing and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from East Lansing to Grand Rapids 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