Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Franklin, WI: $82,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Franklin, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,131/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $87,935 in average-cost America. The 26% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Wisconsin, the potential for experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn substantial salaries is evident, with the top licensed practical nurse salary projected at $82,131 in 2026 for the 90th percentile. The median annual pay stands at $65,033, marking a significant disparity that showcases the substantial rewards for seasoned professionals who enhance their expertise and skills. Achieving this high level of compensation often requires specialization and advanced certifications, enabling LPNs to navigate complex clinical environments effectively. Those committed to ongoing education and experience in critical care areas or leadership roles will find themselves positioned favorably within the local healthcare market.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $76,340 and $82,131 per year (2026 est.). This $28,379 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $65,033 sits 4.46% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,033 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,340 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,131 | $88,196 |
In Franklin, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 26.29% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $65,033 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,340–$82,131 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Franklin with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Franklin
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #18 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $82,131).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Franklin ($82,131) is 0.2% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($82,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$59,003
2025 BLS Actual
$77,702
2026 Current Est.
$82,131
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,003 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,014 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,654 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,515 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,298 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,702 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,812 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $59,003 in 2019 to $77,702 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $86,812 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Franklin
Specializations hold notable importance in determining compensation levels for senior licensed practical nurses in Franklin. Fields such as long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and pediatric home care consistently command premium pay due to their complexity and the level of expertise required. Employer types also shape salary expectations; skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies typically offer different pay scales due to their operational demands. Advancement into roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor can further enhance earning potential, particularly in LPN-led initiatives. Additionally, acquiring advanced credentials, which may include IV therapy or wound care certifications, bolsters a nurse's standing in the job market. Factor in compensation elements like shift differentials and stipends for specialized skills, and it becomes clear that experienced licensed practical nurses in Franklin can strategically enhance their earning potential well beyond the baseline median.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Franklin?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Franklin?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Franklin?
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $77,702 for licensed practical nurses in the Franklin metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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