Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $84,370 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Sun Prairie, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $84,370/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Sun Prairie's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,332 in average-cost America. The 28% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior licensed practical nurses in Sun Prairie, WI, find themselves in a favorable financial position, especially when considering the 2026 figures that highlight a significant pay potential. The projected salary for the highest earners in this domain reaches up to $84,370, showcasing the gap between the median annual salary of $65,732 and the earnings that come with extensive experience and specialized skills. Achieving this top-tier status often requires a commitment to continuous education and certifications, which can set established professionals apart in the job market. As these experienced licensed practical nurses advance their careers, they typically enhance their earning potential through specialization and leadership roles, further capitalizing on the demand for skilled nursing within the region.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Sun Prairie earn between $77,987 and $84,370 per year (2026 est.). This $34,308 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Sun Prairie median of $65,732 sits 3.44% below the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Sun Prairie | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,732 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,987 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $84,370 | $88,196 |
In Sun Prairie, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 28.35% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Sun Prairie
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $65,732 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Sun Prairie employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Sun Prairie command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,987–$84,370 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSun Prairie ranks #6 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $84,370).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Sun Prairie ($84,370) is 2.52% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($82,293).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,611
2025 BLS Actual
$79,820
2026 Current Est.
$84,370
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,611 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,023 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,370 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,179 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Sun Prairie saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $60,611 in 2019 to $79,820 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 $89,179 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
Compensation for senior licensed practical nurses in Sun Prairie reflects a range of factors, including specialization areas and employment settings. Notably, sectors such as long-term care, hospice, and palliative care can command premium pay, allowing seasoned professionals to maximize their compensation. Facilities like skilled nursing homes or home health agencies often pay distinctively compared to hospitals or private practices, which tend to have varying demands for LPN services. Furthermore, pursuing additional credentials, like IV therapy or wound care certification, can bolster earning potential in this competitive landscape. Opportunities for career advancement, such as transitioning to roles like charge LPN or MDS coordinator, are also realistic paths for those looking to enhance their senior licensed practical nurse pay in WI. Other non-salary benefits, such as shift differentials and weekend premiums in long-term care, also contribute to a rewarding compensation package for those who have honed their expertise over the years.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Sun Prairie in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Sun Prairie?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Sun Prairie?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Sun Prairie?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Sun Prairie?
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 $79,820 for licensed practical nurses in the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie 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