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Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a licensed practical nurse make in Wisconsin? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $61,040/yr ($29.35/hr), with around 6,830 people working in this field statewide.

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Wisconsin are below the national average by approximately $2,447. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for licensed practical nurses.

Wisconsin Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Wisconsin after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$61,040
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$46,348

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Wisconsin Licensed Practical Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $61,040.

Your annual salary ($)

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Wisconsin

Entry Level (0–2 years)$37,800/yr · $18.17/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Wisconsin.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$54,325/yr · $26.12/hr
Established professional working independently in Wisconsin. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$67,754/yr · $32.57/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Wisconsin.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$87,900+/yr · $42.26/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Wisconsin.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Wisconsin have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Wisconsin's healthcare and long-term care.

2021
$53,593
2022
$56,706
+5.8%
2023
$59,330
+4.6%
2024
$60,307
+1.6%
2026
$61,040
+1.2%

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Wisconsin

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Milwaukee$67,750$32.57+11.0%2,390
Madison$64,700$31.11+6.0%1,912
Green Bay$62,850$30.22+3.0%1,229
Kenosha$58,600$28.17-4.0%614
Racine$55,550$26.71-9.0%409
Appleton$53,100$25.53-13.0%273

Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Wisconsin at $67,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Wisconsin sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.

Wisconsin — 7.65% state income tax$61,040 gross~$46,348 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$60,870 gross-0.3% vs WI
Michigan — 4.25%$63,810 gross+4.5% vs WI
Iowa — 6.0%$59,460 gross-2.6% vs WI

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Wisconsin

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
6,830Currently employed
683+New jobs projected

Employment for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for licensed practical nurses.

How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin typically adds $50,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays licensed practical nurses $67,750/yr — +11.0% above the Wisconsin average. Simply relocating within Wisconsin can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Wisconsin. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays licensed practical nurses $60,870/yr — -0.3% vs Wisconsin.

Find Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs in Wisconsin

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a licensed practical nurse earn in Wisconsin on average?
The average licensed practical nurse salary in Wisconsin is $61,040 per year, or $29.35 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $37,800 while experienced professionals earn $87,900 or more.
Where do licensed practical nurses earn the most in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee pays licensed practical nurses the most in Wisconsin at an average of $67,750 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Wisconsin stack up nationally for licensed practical nurse pay?
Wisconsin licensed practical nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $2,447. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
What's the after-tax salary for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin?
A licensed practical nurse earning the Wisconsin average of $61,040 takes home approximately $46,348 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Should you become a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurse is a strong career choice in Wisconsin with steady demand projected over the next decade. Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for licensed practical nurses.
What's the licensing process for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, licensed practical nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.