Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $54,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,488 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,634 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,435) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Oshkosh can anticipate a starting salary around $54,488, reflecting the lower end of the entry-level pay spectrum for licensed practical nurses. This amount is approximately $9,947 below the city's median annual salary of $64,435. However, there is a promising growth trajectory for entry-level nurses as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, it is realistic for a new LPN to see their earnings increase to around $60,090 as they advance in their roles and take on additional responsibilities. Given the city's projected 5.70% annual growth rate in this profession, Oshkosh currently presents a supportive market for newly graduated licensed practical nurses looking to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $54,488 and $60,090 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,506 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,435 — 5.34% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $12,000 represents just 22.02% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($54,488/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $54,488 to $60,090, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $25,506 ( 46.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,488, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,994.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,600
2025 BLS Actual
$51,550
2026 Current Est.
$54,488
2019–2027 Growth
+71.4%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,930 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,110 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,550 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,594 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 53.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,600 in 2019 to $51,550 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,594. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Multiple employers in Oshkosh actively seek new graduates for LPN positions, with skilled nursing facilities being among the main recruiters. These facilities typically provide on-the-job orientation, which can be crucial for new nurses without extensive experience. Home health agencies also hire entry-level LPNs and offer flexible scheduling, making them attractive options for recent graduates. To enhance your earning potential, actively obtaining state licensure, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN are critical steps. Consider pursuing additional certifications, such as IV therapy or wound care, to position yourself for possibly higher pay. The first few years in this role may involve seeking LPN-to-RN bridge programs to expand your practice opportunities, especially given the trend of hospitals favoring all-RN staff. Oshkosh presents realistic growth prospects, allowing new graduates to expect gradual salary increases that align with their developing expertise in the field.
More salary data for Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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