Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in La Crosse, WI: $32.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in La Crosse, WI runs $32.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,595 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against La Crosse's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,550 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is projected to be $32.49, which is slightly below the national median of $32.73. This means that LPNs in La Crosse can expect competitive wages, especially when considering opportunities in part-time and per-diem positions. Working three days a week could provide a solid income while allowing for flexibility in scheduling. The hourly range for licensed practical nurses in the area spans from $26.26 for entry-level positions to $39.21 for top earners. Given the various work settings, including skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices, this hourly data reflects the official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, indicating a thriving environment for LPNs looking to establish their careers in La Crosse.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.26 | $210.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.19 | $241.50 |
| Median (P50) | $32.49 | $259.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.19 | $297.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.21 | $313.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Crosse
Based on $32.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.49/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Crosse, WI can expect to earn approximately $67,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,991. With a cost-of-living index of 91.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Crosse.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Crosse
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.69 | $5,632 | $67,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.81 | $3,379 | $40,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.87 | $2,253 | $27,033 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (La Crosse) | $32.49 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in La Crosse, WI earn a median of $67,595 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.70% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 0.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $67,663.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.49/hr = $40,550/year (purchasing power: $44,187).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,584/year (purchasing power: $73,645).
CoL index: 91.769 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in La Crosse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in La Crosse grew 38.3% from $22.23/hr (2019) to $30.74/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Crosse 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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in La Crosse
For those considering part-time work, an LPN in La Crosse might take home around $50,430 annually by working 24 hours weekly, which is a considerable income when balanced against the demands of the profession. Per diem licensed practical nurse pay in La Crosse typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, with agency LPNs in high-demand settings potentially earning up to $60 per hour. Different employment settings influence hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies generally offering a more stable but potentially lower pay compared to higher-paying contracts in correctional facilities or during staffing shortages in hospitals. However, opting for higher hourly rates often comes with a trade-off, as positions with benefits usually offer lower pay. LPNs should focus on negotiating hourly pay based on the specific employer type and their experience, ensuring that their skills and flexibility are appropriately compensated in La Crosse's evolving health care landscape.
More salary data for La Crosse, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in La Crosse in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in La Crosse. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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