Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Madison, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,229▲ | $62,025 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.81▲ | $29.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,981▲ | $51,247 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,192▲ | $56,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,550▲ | $70,449 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,894▲ | $74,230 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids is $6,204 (10.00%). 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,Wisconsin Rapids spans $22,983. 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, Madison ($70,132 effective) pays 5.61% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($66,408 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Madison, WI
$48,560 (2019) → $64,550 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$47,956 (2024) → $58,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Madison or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wisconsin Rapids as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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