Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Waukesha, WI: $70,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Waukesha, WI earns a median $70,009/year (≈ $33.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $74,956 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the licensed practical nurse salary in Waukesha is projected to reach $70,009 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $68,071 by 2.85%. The salary range for LPNs in the area spans from $52,939 at the 10th percentile to $87,342 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse work environments available. With the most common settings including skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices, the compensation reflects the structural differences across these roles. Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, painting a clear picture of the competitive pay landscape in Waukesha's healthcare market.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,939 | $25.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,765 | $30.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,009 | $33.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,942 | $38.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,342 | $41.99 |
Median Salary Position
2.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,403 (2026 est.). At $70,009, the local median is 2.85% above the national median of $68,071.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be above the median
How Waukesha Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $70,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $67,642 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +2.85% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $70,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $67,642.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $70,009 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,956 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,832
2025 BLS Actual
$66,234
2026 Current Est.
$70,009
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,832 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,210 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,175 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,433 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,234 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,000 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $48,832 (2019) to $66,234 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,000 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,168 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,939 – $62,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,765 – $70,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,009 – $80,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,942 – $87,342 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Waukesha
The local job market shows a measured presence, with 14 licensed practical nurses currently employed in Waukesha. This relatively modest number brings about a dynamic interplay with the area's cost-of-living index, noted at 93.4, which allows LPNs to stretch their earnings further in terms of purchasing power. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest wages, followed by home health agencies and hospitals, while shifts and certifications can significantly influence pay rates. Weekend and holiday premiums, as well as IV therapy stipends, can add to the overall compensation, reflecting the specialized skills often required. For those in the licensed practical nursing field, focusing on enhancing certifications and seeking employment in long-term care settings can provide avenues for maximizing income in Waukesha, WI.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Waukesha, WI in 2026?
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Waukesha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Waukesha?
How much does a licensed practical nurse make per hour in Waukesha?
Related Pages
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $66,234 for licensed practical nursesin the Waukesha metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukesha 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