Appleton vs Green Bay: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Appleton, WI and Green Bay, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Green Bay, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,022▲ | $64,255 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.18▲ | $30.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,892 | $53,294▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,251▲ | $57,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,763▲ | $67,870 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,805▲ | $78,028 |
| Total Employed | 370 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Appleton and Green Bay is $4,767 (7.42%). Appleton's median is +1.40% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $29,913,Green Bay spans $24,734. Appleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($74,684 effective) pays 8.19% more than Green Bay ($69,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,805)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,684)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Appleton grew 33.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Green Bay over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$48,810 (2019) → $65,300 (2025)
Green Bay, WI
$43,020 (2019) → $60,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Green Bay, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Appleton or Green Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Green Bay?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Green Bay as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Appleton vs Green Bay?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov