Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Menomonie, WI: $51,297 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,297 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,922 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,192) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the starting licensed practical nurse salary offers an intriguing opportunity for immediate employment. As projected for 2026, entry-level positions may expect to see starting pay around $51,297 annually, which is substantially lower than the city's median of $64,192. However, this starting figure provides a pathway for growth, as new nurses can anticipate salary increases over their first few years, with projections reaching $59,110 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience and build skills. Currently, Menomonie presents a favorable market for new grads, especially in light of the ongoing demand for LPNs and the expected 5.70% annual growth rate within this sector, creating openings and room for advancement.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Menomonie, WI typically start between $51,297 and $59,110 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,806 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,192 — 5.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $12,000 represents just 23.39% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($51,297/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $51,297 to $59,110, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $25,806 ( 50.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,297, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,103.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,720
2025 BLS Actual
$48,531
2026 Current Est.
$51,297
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,705 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,506 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,502 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,297 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,221 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,720 in 2019 to $48,531 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,221. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Various employers in Menomonie are currently looking to hire newly licensed practical nurses, making it an optimal location for securing initial positions. Skilled nursing facilities typically lead in hiring new LPN grads due to their comprehensive on-the-job training programs, while home health agencies attract those seeking flexible scheduling. For candidates aiming for roles in physician offices, having prior clinic experience can significantly boost employability. Holding an active LPN license and completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an approved program are essential to starting a career in Wisconsin. Furthermore, obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can enhance starting salaries as new professionals establish their careers. Given that approximately 35% of LPNs work in long-term care settings, new graduates should consider the option of enrolling in LPN-to-RN bridge programs in the future to maximize their career potential.
More salary data for Menomonie, 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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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