Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 7K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$63,760
$30.65/hr
vs National Average
$66,740
-4.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$52K – $78K
7K employed in Wisconsin
The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Wisconsin sits at a median of $63,760 annually. This figure reflects a range of earnings from approximately $51,820 to $78,490. Notably, this compensation is about 4% lower than the national average for LPNs, with a current employment of 7,390 LPNs across the state.
Several factors influence the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Wisconsin. Experience level is a significant driver, with more seasoned nurses typically commanding higher wages. Additionally, the specific healthcare facility, its location within Wisconsin, and any specialized certifications or skills an LPN possesses can all contribute to variations in pay.
Salary Distribution — Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $51,820 |
| 25th percentile | $59,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,760 |
| 75th percentile | $75,010 |
| 90th percentile | $78,490 |
Top-Paying Industries for Licensed Practical Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Licensed Practical Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $77,310 | 30K |
| Finance and Insurance | $72,720 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,970 | 37K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $67,980 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $64,860 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,760 |
| 2023 | $57,150 |
| 2024 | $61,040 |
| 2025 | $63,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,601 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,760 | $54,982 |
| 2023 | $57,150 | $60,153 |
| 2024 | $61,040 | $63,623 |
| 2025 | $63,760 | $66,740 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,601 | $69,714 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,010 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,490 |
Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Licensed Practical Nurse ($63,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Licensed Practical Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WI | $636,580 | +898.4% | $306.05/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WI | $443,990 | +596.3% | $213.46/hr |
| Surgeon in WI | $416,000 | +552.4% | $200.00/hr |
| Radiologist in WI | $392,610 | +515.8% | $188.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WI | $367,160 | +475.8% | $176.52/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WI | $331,070 | +419.2% | $159.17/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WI | $304,990 | +378.3% | $146.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WI | $290,640 | +355.8% | $139.73/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WI | $273,170 | +328.4% | $131.33/hr |
| Pediatrician in WI | $269,790 | +323.1% | $129.71/hr |
| Dentist in WI | $193,690 | +203.8% | $93.12/hr |
| Podiatrist in WI | $185,100 | +190.3% | $88.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) make in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin is $63,760 per year, which averages out to about $31 per hour. This means half of LPNs in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for LPNs in Wisconsin?
- In Wisconsin, the salary range for Licensed Practical Nurses typically falls between $51,820 and $78,490 annually. This wide range can depend on factors like experience, location within Wisconsin, and the specific healthcare facility.
Is the average LPN salary in Wisconsin higher or lower than the national average?
- The average Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Wisconsin is approximately 4.5% lower than the national average. While the median is $63,760/year, the national median is higher, indicating a slight difference in earning potential.
How many LPNs are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 7,390 Licensed Practical Nurses currently employed in Wisconsin. This indicates a significant number of LPN positions within the state's healthcare system.