Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Stevens Point, WI: $53,933 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Stevens Point, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,933 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stevens Point's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,744 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,107) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of nursing in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the entry-level licensed practical nurse salary is anticipated to begin at approximately $53,933 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $65,107, indicating a clear gap as new LPNs typically start at the lower end of the pay scale. As new nurses gain experience, they can expect upward growth through the salary range, moving toward the first quartile at $61,614 within the next few years. Given Stevens Point's healthcare landscape, which includes skilled nursing facilities that commonly hire new graduates, the area offers a viable market for those looking to start their careers in practical nursing.
About the Stevens Point Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stevens Point
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 Stevens Point
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Stevens Point, WI typically start between $53,933 and $61,614 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,433 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,107 — 4.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $12,000 represents just 22.25% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($53,933/year) in Stevens Point. 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 Stevens Point
- 1Research the Stevens Point market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $53,933 to $61,614, 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 Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stevens Point'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 Stevens Point is $28,433 ( 52.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,933, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,453
2025 BLS Actual
$51,025
2026 Current Est.
$53,933
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Stevens Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,453 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,489 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,536 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,025 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,933 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,008 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Stevens Point, WI grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,453 in 2019 to $51,025 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,008. New graduates entering the Stevens Point job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stevens Point 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 Stevens Point
Analyzing the employment trends for licensed practical nurses in Stevens Point reveals that local skilled nursing facilities are prominent employers for fresh graduates. These establishments often provide structured on-the-job training for new hires, ensuring they acquire essential skills. Additionally, home health agencies in the area may appeal to LPNs who seek flexibility in their schedules, while physician offices typically prefer candidates with prior clinical experience. To maximize starting pay in Wisconsin, new LPNs should prioritize obtaining their active LPN/LVN license from the state board of nursing, completing a practical nursing diploma from an accredited program, and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. Moreover, pursuing specialized certifications like IV therapy can further enhance employability and salary prospects. In the early years, LPNs may find salary growth opportunities as experienced feedback and advancements in responsibilities lead to promotions, especially given the evolving job market that increasingly accommodates LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
More salary data for Stevens Point, 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 Stevens Point. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stevens Point 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