Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Wisconsin employs 7,390 LVNs, with a statewide median of $63,760 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $63,760 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $51,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $75,010
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $78,490
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 7,390
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $65,660 (6,300 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $65,410 (1,890 employed)
- Appleton
- $65,300 (370 employed)
- Madison
- $64,550 (650 employed)
- Duluth
- $60,930 (630 employed)
- Green Bay
- $60,790 (600 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,760 median stretches to roughly $67,758 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow LVNs employment +1.6%, slower than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 580 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS).
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at a Wisconsin technical college).
- Apply through DSPS and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS) →
Training in Wisconsin
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry via Wisconsin technical colleges. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate
- Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa — Certificate
- Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Wisconsin
Real Wisconsin nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Brewster Village — Appleton
- Complete Care at Ridgewood LLC — Racine
- WI Veterans Hm Ainsworth Hall — King
- Bradley Estates Nursing and Rehab LLC — Milwaukee
- WI Veterans Home Moses Hall — King
- Complete Care at Maple Grove LLC — Madison
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for LVNs in Wisconsin is $63,760 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $51,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $78,490. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS). Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year at a Wisconsin technical college).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Wisconsin?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Wisconsin metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $65,660, followed by Milwaukee ($65,410), Appleton ($65,300). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Blackhawk Technical College, Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa, Chippewa Valley Technical College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects LVNs employment to change +1.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 580 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.