Milwaukee vs West Bend: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Milwaukee, WI and West Bend, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | West Bend, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,138▲ | $66,472 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.24▲ | $31.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,790▲ | $51,792 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,710▲ | $60,540 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,203▲ | $75,766 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,380▲ | $80,316 |
| Total Employed | 1,890▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Bend.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and West Bend is $2,666 (4.01%). 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,West Bend spans $28,524. West Bend 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, Milwaukee ($71,323 effective) pays 0.22% more than West Bend ($71,169 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,323)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose West Bend if…
- ✓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 22.4% growth in West Bend over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$50,840 (2019) → $65,410 (2025)
West Bend, WI
$51,394 (2024) → $62,887 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
West Bend, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Milwaukee or West Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and West Bend?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to West Bend as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Milwaukee vs West Bend?
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