Average Registered Nurse Salary in Wisconsin
Registered Nurses in Wisconsin earn an average of $89,167 per year across 1 metro area. This is +4.7% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$89,167
per year
Hourly Rate
$42.87
per hour
vs National
-4.7%
$93,600 national
Salary Range
$56,386
to $125,922
About Registered Nurse Careers in Wisconsin
Registered nurses (RNs) are essential healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients about health conditions, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. They work in various healthcare settings and serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, providing critical care and advocacy for patients.
In Wisconsin, registered nurses earn an average of $89,167 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $56,386 for entry-level roles to $125,922 for the most experienced professionals — +4.7% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by nursing specialty (icu, emergency, oncology tend to pay more), education level (bsn vs. adn), and the specific metro area within Wisconsin.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$89,167
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$93,860
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living (below average), a Registered Nurse's salary of $89,167 has the purchasing power of $93,860 in an average-cost area.
Registered Nurse Salary by City in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | $89,167 | $42.87/hr | $56,386 | $125,922 | 2,573 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Wisconsin vs National Average
Registered Nurse Salary Comparison
Employment in Wisconsin
There are approximately 2,573 Registered Nurses employed across 1 metro area in Wisconsin.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
State Income Tax: 3.54% - 7.65%
Registered Nurse Salary Range in Wisconsin
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$56,386
Starting salary for new Registered Nurses
Median (50th Percentile)
$89,167
Mid-career Registered Nurse salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$125,922
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
Pharmacist
$129,346
avg in WI
+$40,179 vs Registered Nurse
Nurse Practitioner
$117,116
avg in WI
+$27,949 vs Registered Nurse
Dental Hygienist
$84,740
avg in WI
-$4,427 vs Registered Nurse
Licensed Practical Nurse
$55,859
avg in WI
-$33,308 vs Registered Nurse
Nursing Assistant
$36,180
avg in WI
-$52,987 vs Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Registered Nurse salaries in Wisconsin with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Wisconsin Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin?
The average Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin is $89,167 per year ($42.87/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 4.7% below the national average of $93,600.
What is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Wisconsin?
Milwaukee, WI is the highest paying city for Registered Nurses in Wisconsin, with a median salary of $89,167 per year.
What is the salary range for Registered Nurses in Wisconsin?
Registered Nurse salaries in Wisconsin range from $56,386 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $125,922 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $89,167 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Wisconsin. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.