Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Marshfield, WI: $50,964 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Marshfield, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,964 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marshfield's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,059) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the licensed practical nurse (LPN) field in Marshfield, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $50,964. This initial pay represents an important milestone for fresh graduates, although it remains lower than the city median salary of $64,059, indicating room for growth with experience. As early-career LPNs gain additional skills and expertise, their salaries could rise to around $58,823 within the first few years, paving the way toward reaching the median salary as they progress in their careers. Overall, Marshfield presents a stable environment for new graduates looking to begin their nursing careers, with a projected growth rate of 5.70% annually, suggesting a promising future for those who pursue this rewarding occupation.
About the Marshfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marshfield
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshfield
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Marshfield, WI typically start between $50,964 and $58,823 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,555 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,059 — 5.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $12,000 represents just 23.55% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($50,964/year) in Marshfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Marshfield
- 1Research the Marshfield market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $50,964 to $58,823, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marshfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Marshfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marshfield's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Marshfield is $29,555 ( 57.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,964, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,519.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,501
2025 BLS Actual
$48,216
2026 Current Est.
$50,964
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Marshfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,501 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,012 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,249 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,271 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,964 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,869 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Marshfield, WI grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,501 in 2019 to $48,216 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $53,869. New graduates entering the Marshfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Marshfield
For newly minted LPNs, various employers in Marshfield hire recent graduates and often provide on-the-job training, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Home health agencies may offer more flexible scheduling, while physician offices might prefer candidates with specific clinical experience. To enhance starting licensed practical nurse pay in WI, obtaining credentials like an active LPN license, completing a 12-18 month practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam are essential steps. Newly licensed nurses should also consider pursuing additional certifications in IV therapy or wound care, as these can increase their marketability. In the first few years, LPNs can strategically focus on gaining experience in long-term care settings or considering LPN-to-RN bridge programs to broaden their career opportunities, especially in a changing healthcare landscape where hospitals increasingly favor all-RN staffing models.
More salary data for Marshfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Marshfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marshfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov