PRN Nursing Jobs in Michigan: Ultimate Guide[2024]

Michigan offers excellent opportunities for aspiring nurses, new grads, and seasoned nursing professionals. Learn about working in Michigan as a nurse or nursing assistant.

Are you a nursing professional in The Great Lakes State or on your way to becoming one? Find the answers to some of the most critical questions regarding living and working in Michigan as a nurse or nursing assistant—starting with average salaries. Continue to learn about the cheapest cities, PRN nursing jobs, the best nursing schools, and more.

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Salary information throughout this guide comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and living wage information comes from the MIT Living Wage Calculator (most recent data as of December 2023).

How Much Do Nurses in Michigan Make? 

In the pursuit of nursing careers in the state of Michigan, whether you aspire to become a dedicated RN, a skilled LPN, a compassionate CNA, or a proficient patient care tech (PCT), the consideration of potential earnings takes on significant importance. Across the vast landscape of The Great Lakes State, RNs typically command an impressive average hourly wage of $38.78, serving as a crucial benchmark for evaluating the financial opportunities that await you on your nursing journey within Michigan.

To gain a proper understanding of how your nursing income aligns with your chosen lifestyle and financial needs, it's imperative that you grasp the cost of living specific to Michigan.

Michigan's minimum wage is $10.10 per hour, but the statewide living wage for a single adult amounts to $16.27 per hour when working full-time. This figure considers a spectrum of expenses, encompassing housing, healthcare costs, groceries, and transportation.

Now, let's uncover the annual salaries associated with each category of nursing licensure in Michigan:

• RN Salary: $80,660
• LPN Salary: $57,180
• CNA Salary: $35,960

It's important to note that earnings in Michigan can vary, influenced by factors such as the specific geographic region within the state, and the healthcare institutions where nursing professionals work.

If you are looking for CNA, PCT, LPN, or RN jobs in Michigan, it's crucial to keep in mind that Flint, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, Dearborn, and Battle Creek stand out as some of the highest-paying cities for nurses in Michigan.

Best Healthcare Centers in Michigan

With a population of 10,034,113, Michigan boasts a vibrant and diverse landscape of medical centers and hospitals. While it's important to note that there's no definitive measure of what constitutes "the best" in healthcare, we've compiled a list of 10 notable healthcare systems and hospitals in Michigan. These institutions are known for their commitment to patient care and their continuous support for the healthcare workforce, making them great places to explore opportunities, especially for RNs who are looking for jobs in the emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), Medsurg, Pediatrics, and other specialties:

1. Henry Ford Health System: With a rich history of excellence in healthcare, Henry Ford Health System is a nonprofit leading provider of cancer care, cardiovascular surgery, and transplants.
2. Beaumont Health: Beaumont Health is the most extensive healthcare system in Michigan, renowned for its comprehensive care and state-of-the-art facilities. They also hold an annual Nursing Excellence Awards event.
3. University of Michigan Health System: This world-class academic medical center strongly focuses on cutting-edge research and patient care. It was ranked Michigan's #1 Hospital by the U.S. News and World Report. It covers several cities, such as Petoskey, Pontiac, and Ann Arbor. 
4. Spectrum Health: Spectrum Health, based in Grand Rapids, offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services and provides nurses with numerous career advancement possibilities. It has also been named one of the nation's top 10 health systems.
5. Ascension Michigan: Ascension Michigan is part of the most extensive nonprofit health system in the United States, serving communities throughout the state. It's highly recognized for its stroke care efforts. 
6. McLaren Health Care: McLaren Health Care encompasses a network of hospitals and clinics across Michigan in cities such as Lapeer, Port Huron, Caro, Bad Axe, Mount Clemens, and more. It is one of the healthcare networks that offers the best communication between physicians and patients. 
7. Trinity Health Michigan: Trinity Health Michigan, based in Livonia, is a part of one of the nation's largest Catholic healthcare systems, with 101 hospitals in Michigan and other states affiliated with the network.
8. Sparrow Health System: Located in Lansing, Sparrow Health System is the 8th largest health system in Michigan and provides a fantastic quality of care. 
9. Bronson Healthcare: Serving southwest Michigan, Bronson Healthcare offers a range of nursing roles and is known for its dedication to community health. It has been recognized with the "Best Nursing Home" title for ten years by U.S. News & World Report.  
10. Covenant HealthCare: Located in Saginaw, Covenant HealthCare is a faith-based nonprofit healthcare system offering services such as neonatal and pediatric intensive care, cardiology, oncology, robotic surgery, and much more. 

How to Get a Nurse License in Michigan

Not yet a nurse? Let us walk you through the steps to obtain your Michigan nursing license. First of all, there are numerous pathways to becoming a nurse: There are accelerated programs, bridge programs, nursing diploma programs, and countless other options. That said, let's focus on the most common pathways.

Aspiring nurses who want to get their licenses fast and make the smallest possible investment should consider a practical nursing program. These programs take approximately one year to complete and prepare graduates to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Passing this exam is the last major step before receiving a nursing license and being able to look for a job as a licensed practical nurse or LPN but be sure to check the specific guidelines in the state of Michigan as some exceptions may apply.

If you can afford to study for one more year, you can opt for an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) to become a registered nurse. Another way to become a registered nurse is to complete a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), which takes approximately four years. Both nursing programs prepare nurses to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), after which successful candidates can obtain their registered nursing licenses (with certain exceptions). 

Learn more about how education and other factors influence your salary as a nurse or nursing assistant.

Best Nursing Schools in Michigan

Are you aiming for an RN degree? We congratulate you on your self-control, patience, and commitment! Once you start to earn those competitive annual incomes, the compensation will be worth the effort and sacrifice. 

In 2022, the national average NCLEX pass rate for BSN programs was 82.32 percent, while the ADN program pass rate was 77.91 percent. Therefore, many nurses choose to find a BSN program with pass rates at least as high or higher. Of the thirty-nine BSN programs in Michigan approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing, the following programs have reported first-time NCLEX pass rates above the national average on their websites:

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After obtaining your nursing license, it is imperative to stay current with the latest updates to meet the prerequisites for license renewal in Michigan. To verify the active status of your nursing license, you can conveniently utilize the nursing license lookup service provided on the Michigan Department of Education's website.

What Are the Cheapest Cities in Michigan to Live In?

Although we are usually drawn to high wages, living in an area with a low living wage is equally essential since a more modest salary can go further in a cheaper city than a high pay rate in a costly city. With this in mind, here are the average hourly living wages across Michigan from the cheapest to the most expensive cities. 

1. Bay City: $14.92
2. Flint: $15.08
3. Saginaw: $15.14
4. Midland: $15.35
5. Muskegon: $15.41
6. Battle Creek: $15.49
7. Jackson: $15.58
8. Monroe: $15.70
9. Lansing, East Lansing: $15.77
10. Niles, Benton Harbor: $15.81
11. Detroit, Warren, Dearborn: $16.43
12. Kalamazoo, Portage: $16.73
13. Grand Rapids, Wyoming: $16.73
14. Ann Arbor: $18.67

Source: MIT living wage calculator

What are Some Fun Facts about Michigan?

If you are new to Michigan or simply want to see the state in a new light, discover some fun facts about MI. 

• The Great Lakes State: Michigan is often called "The Great Lakes State" because it is the only state in the United States that touches four Great Lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. These vast freshwater bodies contribute to the state's natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
• Faygo Pop: Faygo, a famous brand of carbonated soft drinks, was founded in Detroit in 1907. Known for its unique and wide variety of flavors, Faygo has become a beloved Michigan icon and is celebrated with an annual event called the "Faygo Pop Parade" in Detroit.
• Michigan's Cherry Capital: Traverse City, Michigan, is often called the "Cherry Capital of the World." The region is known for its bountiful cherry orchards and hosts the National Cherry Festival, a fun and fruity celebration held every summer.
• Motown Sound: Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, a music genre that had a significant impact on American pop culture. Motown Records, founded by Berry Gordy in Detroit, was home to legendary artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes, and it played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of American music.

These fun facts showcase the rich cultural, natural, and historical aspects of Michigan that make it a unique and fascinating state.

What Are Some Things to Do in Michigan?

From the historic streets of Albion to the picturesque landscapes of Clare and from the bustling healthcare scene in Fenton to the serene beauty of Gaylord, there are plenty of things to do in MI.

Michigan offers a diverse tapestry of cities and towns that each holds its unique charm and character. As a per diem nurse or nursing assistant, you have the chance to explore a variety of healthcare settings, making a difference in places like Hillsdale and Marshall or venturing to Negaunee, Pigeon, Powers, or Rose City. 

Here are some must-see attractions in The Great Lakes State:

Adventure Amusement Park and Wildwater Adventure Waterpark

If you have kids—or are a kid at heart—you must take them to this two-in-one amusement park and waterpark. Located north of Muskegon, Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park and Wildwater Adventure Waterpark boast over sixty rides, including seven roller coasters, three wave pools, and numerous slides. There are rides and attractions for all ages and interests. Plus, you can access both parks with just one ticket.

Here are some other amusement parks the little ones will love:

• Arzo Amusement Park in Alpena
• Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville
• Air Zoo in Kalamazoo
• Silver Beach Center & Carousel in St. Joseph
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Auburn Hills

Mackinac Island

Are you looking for something more relaxing? How does a vehicle-free island sound? Mackinac Island can be accessed by ferry or airplane and explored by foot, bicycle, or horseback. The island covers less than five square miles, mostly part of the Mackinac Island State Park. You can walk around the whole island along the 8.2-mile-long Lake Shore Boulevard. Stroll along and enjoy the waterfront views and interesting limestone formations. You'll also glimpse the Mackinac Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. Get yourself your favorite beverage and some of Mackinac Island's world-famous fudge, and find a spot to enjoy the sunset. 

Pictured Rocks National Seashore

Nature lovers can explore the Pictured Rocks National Seashore, the first national seashore established by the Parks Service. Located on Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula region, this park boasts 42 miles of preserved shoreline and 100 miles of trails, including a section of the 4,700-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, the longest continuous long-distance trail in the country. Depending on the time of year, you can enjoy hiking, paddling, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and more. On your hikes, you can appreciate sandstone cliffs, dunes, waterfalls, beaches, and dense Northwood forestland.    

Is Working in Michigan Right for You?

As per diem nurses seeking exciting opportunities, Michigan presents many top-notch nursing programs. Once you've completed your education, you'll find that the state offers attractive pay rates in conjunction with a reasonable cost of living. 

If these advantages weren't enticing enough, working in Michigan is an exceptional option to kickstart your per diem nurse career! Ready to embark on your first shift in this dynamic state? Explore per diem nursing jobs in Michigan and dive into this enriching nursing journey.