Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Franklin, WI: $53,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,752 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,550 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,033) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a career as a licensed practical nurse, the entry-level landscape in Franklin, Wisconsin appears promising. The starting licensed practical nurse salary in Franklin is projected at $53,752 in 2026, which, while lower than the median annual salary for all LPNs in the area at $65,033, provides a solid foundation for recent graduates to build upon. As they gain experience and skills, it’s realistic for them to move towards the 25th percentile salary of $60,009 within the first few years of employment, underscoring the upward trajectory available in this profession. The healthy growth rate of 5.70% annually suggests that Franklin remains an attractive market for new grads eager to start their careers in practical nursing.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Franklin, WI typically start between $53,752 and $60,009 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,379 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,033 — 4.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $12,000 represents just 22.32% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,752/year) in Franklin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,752 to $60,009, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Franklin is $28,379 ( 52.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,752, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,333
2025 BLS Actual
$50,853
2026 Current Est.
$53,752
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,366 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,981 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,396 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,692 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,403 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,815 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,333 in 2019 to $50,853 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,815. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Franklin
Job opportunities for newly licensed practical nurses in Franklin are abundant, particularly in skilled nursing facilities, which offer structured onboarding and support for recent graduates. These settings are ideal for new grads looking to build their skills while earning a competitive wage. Meanwhile, home health agencies provide flexible scheduling options that can cater to those seeking a varied working environment. In terms of credentials, obtaining an active LPN/LVN license, completing a state-approved practical nursing program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are essential steps that can bolster starting new grad licensed practical nurse pay in WI. Additionally, acquiring certifications in advanced skills like IV therapy can further enhance earning potential. Over the first few years, it’s common for LPNs to explore LPN-to-RN bridge programs to expand their scope of practice and increase their salary, especially given the shift towards more RN staffing in hospitals. With realistic salary growth expectations, recent graduates can look forward to meaningful advancement in their careers while contributing significantly to patient care.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov