Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $33.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Waukesha, WI runs $33.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,009 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,001 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to reach $33.65 per hour in 2026, slightly above the national median of $32.73 per hour. For those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, this hourly rate offers an attractive earning potential, especially in settings like skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician's offices. Entry-level positions may start as low as $25.45 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $41.99 per hour, reflecting the range of responsibilities and settings LPNs may find themselves in. This data, derived from the annual salary estimates, paints an encouraging picture for those pursuing a licensed practical nursing career in Waukesha and demonstrates that the community values their contributions in various healthcare environments.
About the Waukesha 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) | $25.45 | $203.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.18 | $241.42 |
| Median (P50) | $33.65 | $269.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.92 | $311.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.99 | $335.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $33.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.65/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $70,002 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,386. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.20 | $5,834 | $70,002 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.72 | $3,500 | $42,001 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.48 | $2,333 | $28,001 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Waukesha) | $33.65 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $70,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $67,642.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.65/hr = $42,001/year (purchasing power: $44,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,002/year (purchasing power: $74,949).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Waukesha grew 35.6% from $23.47/hr (2019) to $31.84/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.57/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
When considering part-time work, a licensed practical nurse working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $52,000 annually, allowing for a stable income while maintaining flexibility. For those opting for per diem positions or agency work, the reality is different; per diem licensed practical nurse pay in Waukesha typically ranges from $28 to $42 per hour, while agency positions in understaffed facilities can command even higher rates, between $45 and $60 per hour. This variation reflects the different employer types, such as hospitals, hospice, or correctional facilities, which often dictate wage differences. Licensed practical nurses sometimes choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer health insurance benefits as opposed to freelance opportunities with no benefits but a higher pay rate. Understanding these dynamics can aid LPNs in negotiating their hourly rates, ensuring they find the balance between compensation, job security, and benefits that suits their lifestyle.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Waukesha in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Waukesha?
Are licensed practical nurses in Waukesha paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Waukesha?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Waukesha?
Related Pages
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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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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