Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in River Falls, WI: $30.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in River Falls, WI runs $30.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,744 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against River Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,242 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, Wisconsin, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly rate of $30.64, which falls below the national median of $32.73. For those practicing part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to approximately $484 weekly, or $25,168 annually if they work around 24 hours each week. Per-diem licensed practical nurses, often working in skilled nursing facilities or home health settings, have the flexibility to choose shifts that suit them, and may see their hourly earnings fluctuate significantly based on demand and the type of facility. The hourly compensation for entry-level positions starts around $24.12, while experienced professionals can command up to $38.23, highlighting the potential for upward mobility within this essential healthcare role.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.12 | $192.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.16 | $233.30 |
| Median (P50) | $30.64 | $245.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.77 | $286.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.23 | $305.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in River Falls
Based on $30.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.64/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in River Falls, WI can expect to earn approximately $63,736 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,771. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in River Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in River Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,225.70 | $5,311 | $63,736 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $735.42 | $3,187 | $38,242 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.28 | $2,125 | $25,495 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (River Falls) | $30.64 |
| 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 River Falls, WI earn a median of $63,744 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.36% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 5.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $67,669.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.64/hr = $38,242/year (purchasing power: $40,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,736/year (purchasing power: $68,240).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in River Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in River Falls grew 35.6% from $21.37/hr (2019) to $28.99/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.39/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 River Falls 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 River Falls
Exploring the earnings dynamic for part-time and per-diem positions reveals a stark contrast when compared to full-time licensed practical nurses. Working three days a week at $30.64 can yield a modest annual income, but the flexibility of per-diem work often leads some LPNs to choose agency positions, where hourly rates can spike between $28 and $42, and in certain circumstances, up to $60 for agency staffing in high-need facilities. Additionally, LPNs in various roles, such as in hospitals, home health, and long-term care, experience different pay scales influenced by the type of employer. While some might opt for lower per-hour rates in exchange for comprehensive benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher hourly compensation without the added benefits. Negotiating hourly pay can be strategic; it's often beneficial for LPNs in River Falls to highlight their skills and flexibility when discussing pay with potential employers, especially in a competitive job market.
More salary data for River Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in River Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in River Falls?
Are licensed practical nurses in River Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in River Falls?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in River Falls?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 River Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for River Falls 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