Appleton vs Milwaukee: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Appleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,022 | $69,138▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.18 | $33.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,892 | $58,790▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,251 | $64,710▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,763▲ | $82,203 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,805 | $84,380▲ |
| Total Employed | 370 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $116 (0.17%). Milwaukee's median is +1.57% 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,Milwaukee spans $25,590. 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 4.71% more than Milwaukee ($71,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,684)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,138/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,380)
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 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 28.7% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$48,810 (2019) → $65,300 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$50,840 (2019) → $65,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
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