Registered Nurse Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a registered nurse make in Wisconsin? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $86,070/yr ($41.38/hr), with around 64,960 people working in this field statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Wisconsin are below the national average by approximately $4,106. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Wisconsin enjoy reliable job security.
Wisconsin Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter 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%.
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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $86,070.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Wisconsin
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Wisconsin has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Wisconsin's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Wisconsin
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $95,550 | $45.94 | +11.0% | 22,736 |
| Madison | $91,250 | $43.87 | +6.0% | 18,188 |
| Green Bay | $88,650 | $42.62 | +3.0% | 11,692 |
| Kenosha | $82,650 | $39.74 | -4.0% | 5,846 |
| Racine | $78,300 | $37.64 | -9.0% | 3,897 |
| Appleton | $74,900 | $36.01 | -13.0% | 2,598 |
Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Wisconsin at $95,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Wisconsin sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Wisconsin
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Wisconsin enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Wisconsin typically adds $70,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays registered nurses $95,550/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $100,870/yr — 17.2% vs Wisconsin.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Wisconsin
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Wisconsin:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Wisconsin — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Wisconsin — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Milwaukee, WI→