Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Racine, WI: $82,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Racine, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,404/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Racine's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,872 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Racine, the potential for experienced licensed practical nurses to achieve substantial earnings is significant, with top-tier pay reaching $82,404 in 2026, while the 75th percentile stands at $80,279. This level of compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in WI surpasses the national top earners by a margin, showcasing that the market is quite favorable. The disparity between the median annual salary of $68,546 and the upper echelons of the pay scale highlights the experience premium that can be secured through years of practice and specialization in this field. Attaining such high levels of pay often requires a combination of advanced certifications and leadership roles, which can position professionals effectively in this robust healthcare market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Racine earn between $80,279 and $82,404 per year (2026 est.). This $21,838 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Racine median of $68,546 sits 0.7% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Racine | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $68,546 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,279 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,404 | $88,196 |
In Racine, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 20.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Racine
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $68,546 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Racine employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Racine command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,279–$82,404 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Racine metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Racine with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Racine
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRacine ranks #16 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $82,404).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Racine ($82,404) is 0.14% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($82,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$57,690
2025 BLS Actual
$77,960
2026 Current Est.
$82,404
2019–2027 Growth
+51.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,860 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,101 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Racine saw their compensation grow 35.1% from $57,690 in 2019 to $77,960 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $87,101 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Racine
Compensation for licensed practical nurses with extensive experience can vary depending on their specialization and work environment. In Racine, segments such as long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and IV therapy certification are known to command premium salaries. Employers also play a critical role in determining pay scales; LPNs employed in skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies tend to receive higher compensation than those in physician offices or assisted living communities. Many experienced professionals advance into roles like charge LPN or nursing supervisor, which can also lead to increased earnings. Additionally, holding advanced credentials—such as specialized certifications in wound care or IV therapy—can enhance earning potential. Beyond salary, factors like shift differentials, work settings, and even weekend/holiday pay can significantly impact overall compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in Racine, WI.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Racine in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Racine?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Racine?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Racine?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Racine?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $77,960 for licensed practical nurses in the Racine metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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