Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $81,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Manitowoc, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $81,224/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Manitowoc's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $86,964 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

Transitioning into a senior role as a licensed practical nurse in Manitowoc, WI, can yield impressive financial rewards, with top earners projected to make up to $81,224 in 2026. This figure is notably competitive when compared to the national top earnings in the field, which stand at $68,071. An experienced licensed practical nurse salary in Manitowoc reflects strong growth potential, particularly for those who exceed the median annual salary of $64,697. The difference between average compensation and that of high achievers emphasizes the value placed on experience in the healthcare sector. Reaching these upper echelons of salary often requires not just years of practice but also advanced certifications and specializations that enhance one's skills and marketability.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Manitowoc earn between $76,850 and $81,224 per year (2026 est.). This $28,297 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manitowoc median of $64,697 sits 4.96% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Manitowoc | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,697 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,850 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $81,224 | $88,196 |
In Manitowoc, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 25.55% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Manitowoc
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $64,697 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manitowoc employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Manitowoc command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,850–$81,224 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManitowoc ranks #22 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $81,224).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Manitowoc ($81,224) is 1.3% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($82,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,351
2025 BLS Actual
$76,844
2026 Current Est.
$81,224
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,714 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,844 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,854 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Manitowoc saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $58,351 in 2019 to $76,844 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 $85,854 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Exploring the nuances of senior licensed practical nurse pay in WI reveals that certain specializations can significantly affect earnings. Areas like long-term care, IV therapy, and wound care are particularly lucrative, often associated with employers such as skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies. Compensation can vary substantially based on the type of facility, with hospitals and correctional institutions sometimes offering varied pay scales. For advanced career trajectories, roles such as charge LPN or nursing supervisor provide paths toward leadership and better compensation. Furthermore, obtaining additional credentials like IV therapy certification can enhance job prospects and pay significantly. Non-salary incentives, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums, are also worth considering, as they can substantially bolster overall remuneration for experienced professionals in Manitowoc.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Manitowoc in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Manitowoc?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Manitowoc?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Manitowoc?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Manitowoc?
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 $76,844 for licensed practical nurses in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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