Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $29.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $29.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,025 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wisconsin Rapids, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay stands at a median of $29.82, reflecting a competitive position when compared to the national median of $32.73. This rate not only benefits full-time practitioners but also extends to part-time and per-diem workers, who often find flexible opportunities in various clinical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, and physician offices. Entry-level LPNs can expect to earn around $24.64 per hour, while experienced professionals could earn as much as $35.68 per hour, illustrating the versatility and upward mobility inherent in this role. The vibrant healthcare landscape in Wisconsin Rapids allows LPNs the chance to improve their earnings as they gain experience and hone their skills, driven by the demand for capable nursing professionals in a variety of environments.
About the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $24.64 | $197.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.38 | $219.01 |
| Median (P50) | $29.82 | $238.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.87 | $270.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.68 | $285.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $29.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.82/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $62,021 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,782. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,192.72 | $5,168 | $62,021 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.63 | $3,101 | $37,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.09 | $2,067 | $24,809 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Wisconsin Rapids) | $29.82 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $62,025 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $67,639.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.82/hr = $37,213/year (purchasing power: $39,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,021/year (purchasing power: $66,404).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin Rapids grew 35.6% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $28.21/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.52/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Part-time licensed practical nurses working three days a week, clocking 24 hours, can expect to see their earnings add up to about $37,350 annually, creating a stable yet modest income stream when compared to those in full-time positions. Per diem licensed practical nurses in the area have the potential to earn between $28 and $42 per hour, with agency positions at understaffed nursing facilities sometimes offering even higher rates—up to $60 per hour. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities generally provide differing pay structures; for instance, LPNs in home health agencies or correctional facilities might see slightly lower hourly rates but gain advantages such as health benefits—a factor that some LPNs weigh seriously when considering job offers. For those negotiating their salary in Wisconsin Rapids, emphasizing your skills and unique experiences can be key, especially in a market where variations in employer type can significantly influence pay.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Wisconsin Rapids?
Are licensed practical nurses in Wisconsin Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Wisconsin Rapids?
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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 Wisconsin Rapids. 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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