Wisconsin's average registered nurse salary of $94,690 sits 6.6% below the national mean of $101,420, placing it in a mid-range position among Midwest states. Illinois and Michigan are nearly identical to Wisconsin, while Minnesota pays meaningfully more at $103,420 and Iowa pays less at $80,540. If you are recruiting nurses who are also considering Minnesota roles, plan to address the pay gap directly in your offer or total compensation package.
Registered nurse salary in Wisconsin (2026)
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The average registered nurse salary in Wisconsin is $94,690 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $95,530 gives employers a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Wisconsin employs 68,060 registered nurses, and the $840 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Junior registered nurses in Wisconsin typically earn around $77,470, while senior specialists reach and exceed the $119,860 level at the 90th percentile. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a registered nurse hire in Wisconsin, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $95,530 |
Average Annual Salary | $94,690 |
vs. National Average | 6.6% below the national mean of $101,420 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 68,060 employed registered nurses across Wisconsin.
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Registered nurse salary percentiles in Wisconsin
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $77,470 |
25th Percentile | $81,920 |
75th Percentile | $102,610 |
90th Percentile | $119,860 |
Employers hiring entry-level registered nurses in Wisconsin can anchor offers near $77,470, while roles requiring specialized experience or leadership responsibilities will need to reach toward $119,860 to attract qualified candidates. The $42,390 spread across the full range signals that role scope and specialization drive meaningful pay differences, so defining the position clearly before setting a budget will help you land in the right part of that range.
Registered nurse salary by city in Wisconsin
City | Average Annual Salary |
Madison | $100,430 |
Milwaukee | $96,050 |
Racine | $93,370 |
Green Bay | $91,140 |
Appleton | $90,490 |
Where you hire in Wisconsin will have a real effect on your compensation budget, with Madison commanding noticeably higher pay than markets like Appleton or Green Bay. Madison's average of $100,430 sits roughly $9,940 above Appleton's $90,490, which means location alone can shift your offer band by a meaningful amount. If your facility is in a lower-cost market, you may find it easier to attract candidates without competing at Madison-level rates.
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Wisconsin | $94,690 | $95,530 |
Minnesota | $103,420 | $101,510 |
Illinois | $94,360 | $95,990 |
Michigan | $94,300 | $94,300 |
Indiana | $89,150 | $83,500 |
Iowa | $80,540 | $78,630 |
Wisconsin sits in a cost-effective middle tier among Midwest states, making it a reasonable market for employers who want to attract experienced nurses without matching Minnesota's higher pay scale. Wisconsin's average of $94,690 tracks closely with Illinois at $94,360 and Michigan at $94,300, so candidates moving between those states will arrive with similar salary expectations. Minnesota is the clear outlier at $103,420, and employers competing for nurses who have offers from Minnesota-based employers will need to account for that gap.
Frequently asked questions about registered nurse salary in Wisconsin
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for registered nurse salary?
What do the top-earning registered nurses make in Wisconsin?
Registered nurses at the 90th percentile in Wisconsin earn $119,860 per year. Roles at that level typically involve specialized clinical expertise, leadership responsibilities, or high-demand practice settings. When budgeting for a senior or specialized hire, anchoring your offer near or above $102,610 (the 75th percentile) will keep you competitive for experienced candidates.
What is the average registered nurse salary in Wisconsin?
The average registered nurse salary in Wisconsin is $94,690 per year, with a median of $95,530. The median is the more useful figure for most hiring decisions because it is less affected by a small number of very high earners at the top of the market. Use the median as your baseline and adjust upward based on the seniority and specialization of the specific role you are filling.
What is the salary range for a registered nurse in Wisconsin?
Registered nurse salaries in Wisconsin range from $77,470 at the 10th percentile to $119,860 at the 90th percentile. The middle of the market, where most candidates will have expectations, runs from $81,920 at the 25th percentile to $102,610 at the 75th percentile. Setting your offer within that middle band and adjusting for experience and specialization will position you well for the majority of candidates you will encounter.
Registered Nurse salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 29-1141 (Registered Nurses).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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The Rippling Team
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