Registered nurse salary in Wisconsin
The median registered nurse in Wisconsin earned $95,530 a year in 2025, $2,020 (2%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 23rd of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $95,530
- Average yearly pay
- $94,690
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 68,060
How Wisconsin compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Wisconsin
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $95,530 | 68,060 |
| LPN or LVN | $63,760 | 7,390 |
| Nurse practitioner | $131,980 | 5,160 |
A nurse practitioner in Wisconsin earns a median $36,450 more than a registered nurse ($131,980 against $95,530). A registered nurse earns a median $31,770 more than an LPN or LVN here ($95,530 against $63,760).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Wisconsin?
The median is $95,530 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Wisconsin earn more and half earn less.
Is Wisconsin a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Wisconsin ranks 23rd of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Wisconsin pays 2% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Wisconsin?
BLS counted 68,060 registered nurses employed in Wisconsin in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Wisconsin the average is $94,690.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.