Madison vs Manitowoc: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Madison, WI and Manitowoc, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Manitowoc, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,229▲ | $64,697 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.81▲ | $31.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,981▲ | $52,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,192▲ | $60,733 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,550▲ | $76,850 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,894▲ | $81,224 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manitowoc.
The salary gap between Madison and Manitowoc is $3,532 (5.46%). Madison's median is +0.23% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $24,913,Manitowoc spans $28,297. Manitowoc has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($70,132 effective) pays 1.25% more than Manitowoc ($69,269 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,229/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,894)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,132)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Manitowoc if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Madison grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Manitowoc over the same period.
Madison, WI
$48,560 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
Manitowoc, WI
$50,023 (2024) → $61,208 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Manitowoc, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Madison or Manitowoc?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Manitowoc?
Should I relocate from Madison to Manitowoc as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Madison vs Manitowoc?
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