Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Kenosha, WI: $83,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Kenosha, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,736/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Kenosha's price premium (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $82,810 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kenosha, the earning potential for seasoned licensed practical nurses is quite promising, particularly for those who have accumulated significant experience over their careers. In 2026, top-tier professionals can expect salaries in the P90 range of $83,736, which not only reflects a competitive edge compared to the national figure of $68,071 but also emphasizes the substantial difference between the median salary of $69,075 and that of top earners. This experience premium is indicative of the career growth possibilities available in the nursing field, where advanced skills and leadership roles can considerably enhance one’s earning capacity. Achieving such figures typically necessitates a combination of specialized knowledge, proven expertise, and often, additional certifications that meet the higher demands of healthcare facilities in Kenosha.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Kenosha earn between $82,964 and $83,736 per year (2026 est.). This $27,863 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kenosha median of $69,075 sits 1.47% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Kenosha | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $69,075 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,964 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,736 | $88,196 |
In Kenosha, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 21.22% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Kenosha
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $69,075 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kenosha employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Kenosha command premium compensation, often reaching the $82,964–$83,736 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kenosha 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 Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedKenosha ranks #10 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $83,736).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Kenosha ($83,736) is 1.75% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($82,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,156
2025 BLS Actual
$79,220
2026 Current Est.
$83,736
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,206 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,976 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,932 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,000 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,220 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,508 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Kenosha saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $60,156 in 2019 to $79,220 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 $88,508 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
Advanced certifications and specializations can significantly influence senior licensed practical nurse pay in WI, positioning professionals to command higher fees for their expertise. In particular, areas such as long-term care, IV therapy, wound care, and hospice and palliative care are particularly in demand, often leading to higher compensation. Different employer types also contribute to variance in salaries; for instance, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer better pay scales compared to physician offices or home health agencies. Senior LPNs with aspirations for career advancement can pursue various pathways like charge LPN roles, admissions coordinator positions, or enroll in LPN-to-RN bridge programs, which not only enhance their skills but can also be financially rewarding. Essential qualifications, including a current LPN/LVN license, passing the NCLEX-PN, and optional certifications, play a key role in ensuring these professionals remain competitive in the evolving job market while also benefitting from non-salary compensation features such as shift differentials and weekend premium pay in long-term care settings.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Kenosha in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Kenosha?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Kenosha?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Kenosha?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Kenosha?
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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 $79,220 for licensed practical nurses in the Kenosha 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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