Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in River Falls, WI: $63,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in River Falls, WI earns a median $63,744/year (≈ $30.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in River Falls's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $68,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In River Falls, WI, the 2026 median salary for licensed practical nurses stands at $63,744, reflecting local market dynamics shaped by factors such as shift differentials and weekend premiums. The salary range spans from $50,176 at the 10th percentile to $79,529 at the 90th percentile, indicating a clear variation based on experience, certification, and work settings. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, making them relevant for understanding the compensation landscape specific to this area. With the local licensed practical nurse salary in River Falls below the national median of $68,071, it contributes to a competitive market where opportunities can still yield significant rewards for those willing to pursue key certifications or specific employment settings.
About the River Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,176 | $24.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,647 | $29.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,744 | $30.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,409 | $35.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $79,529 | $38.23 |
Median Salary Position
6.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in River Falls
In River Falls, WI, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,353 (2026 est.). At $63,744, the local median is 6.36% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in River Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How River Falls Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
River Falls median: $63,744/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | River Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $67,669 | -5.80% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -6.36% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
River Falls has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
River Falls, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A licensed practical nurse earning $63,744 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,248 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,462
2025 BLS Actual
$60,307
2026 Current Est.
$63,744
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,717 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,286 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,378 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the River Falls metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $44,462 (2019) to $60,307 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,378 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,916 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $50,176 – $60,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,647 – $63,744 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,744 – $74,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,409 – $79,529 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in River Falls
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently five licensed practical nurses employed in River Falls, indicating a modest but potentially stable demand for LPNs in this community. The cost-of-living index of 93.4 suggests that the area's expenses are below the national average, which can enhance purchasing power for those earning a licensed practical nurse pay in River Falls, WI. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities typically offer higher compensation compared to home health agencies and physician offices. The disparity in wages often stems from a variety of factors including the complexity of care provided, shift differentials, and additional stipends for certifications like IV therapy. For those in long-term care, maximizing pay could involve seeking positions during peak demand times such as weekends or obtaining charge LPN responsibilities, both of which significantly boost earnings in this nuanced job market.
More salary data for River Falls, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,307 for licensed practical nursesin the River Falls metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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