Registered Nurse Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 68K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$95,530
$45.93/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+1.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $120K
68K employed in Wisconsin
The median Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin is $95,530 per year, placing it 2% above the national average. With approximately 68,060 nurses employed across the state, Wisconsin offers a competitive earning potential for these vital healthcare professionals. This figure represents the midpoint, with salaries typically falling between $77,470 and $119,860 annually.
Several factors influence the Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin. Experience level, specific certifications, and the type of healthcare facility – such as hospitals, clinics, or long-term care – all play a significant role. Additionally, geographic location within Wisconsin can impact pay rates, with demand and cost of living variations influencing compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,470 |
| 25th percentile | $81,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $95,530 |
| 75th percentile | $102,610 |
| 90th percentile | $119,860 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Wisconsin tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,750 |
| 2023 | $83,300 |
| 2024 | $86,070 |
| 2025 | $95,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,262 |
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 | $79,750 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $83,300 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $86,070 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $95,530 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,262 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $95,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $119,860 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Registered Nurse ($95,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WI | $636,580 | +566.4% | $306.05/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WI | $443,990 | +364.8% | $213.46/hr |
| Surgeon in WI | $416,000 | +335.5% | $200.00/hr |
| Radiologist in WI | $392,610 | +311.0% | $188.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WI | $367,160 | +284.3% | $176.52/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WI | $331,070 | +246.6% | $159.17/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WI | $304,990 | +219.3% | $146.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WI | $290,640 | +204.2% | $139.73/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WI | $273,170 | +186.0% | $131.33/hr |
| Pediatrician in WI | $269,790 | +182.4% | $129.71/hr |
| Dentist in WI | $193,690 | +102.8% | $93.12/hr |
| Podiatrist in WI | $185,100 | +93.8% | $88.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin is $95,530 per year, which breaks down to approximately $46 per hour. This median figure is 1.5% higher than the national average for RN salaries.
How much can a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin expect to earn?
- Registered Nurses in Wisconsin typically earn between $77,470 and $119,860 annually. The median salary for the state is $95,530 per year.
Is the salary for Registered Nurses in Wisconsin higher than the national average?
- Yes, Registered Nurses in Wisconsin earn slightly more than the national average. The median salary in Wisconsin is $95,530 per year, which is 1.5% above the national median.
How many Registered Nurses are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 68,060 Registered Nurses currently employed in Wisconsin. The median annual salary for these professionals is $95,530.