Ann Arbor vs Sterling Heights: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Sterling Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,363 | $420,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.53 | $202.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,363 | $243,879▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,363 | $302,747▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,363 | $499,314▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,571 | $626,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Sterling Heights, MI offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ann Arbor.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Sterling Heights is $334,119 (386.88%). Sterling Heights's median is -4.85% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $9,208,Sterling Heights spans $382,633. Sterling Heights has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sterling Heights ($451,161 effective) pays 427.00% more than Ann Arbor ($85,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($420,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($626,512)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $451,161)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Ann Arbor grew -77.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.8% growth in Sterling Heights over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$362,838 (2024) → $82,250 (2025)
Sterling Heights, MI
$361,579 (2024) → $400,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov