Milwaukee vs Racine: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,138▲ | $68,546 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.24▲ | $32.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,790 | $60,566▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,710▲ | $64,107 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,203▲ | $80,279 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,380▲ | $82,404 |
| Total Employed | 1,890▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Racine.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Racine is $592 (0.86%). 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 Milwaukee spans $25,590,Racine spans $21,838. Milwaukee 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 0.15% 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 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
Choose Racine if…
- ✓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 Milwaukee grew 28.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.5% growth in Racine over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$50,840 (2019) → $65,410 (2025)
Racine, WI
$46,160 (2019) → $64,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Milwaukee or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Racine?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Racine as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Milwaukee 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