Madison vs Racine: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Madison, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,229 | $68,546▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.81 | $32.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,981 | $60,566▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,192▲ | $64,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,550 | $80,279▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,894▲ | $82,404 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Madison and Racine are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and Racine is $317 (0.46%). Racine's median is +0.70% 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,Racine spans $21,838. Madison 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, Racine ($71,431 effective) pays 1.85% more than Madison ($70,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,894)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Racine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,546/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,431)
- ✓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 40.5% growth in Racine over the same period.
Madison, WI
$48,560 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
Racine, WI
$46,160 (2019) → $64,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Madison or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Racine?
Should I relocate from Madison to Racine as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Madison vs Racine?
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