Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$61,040

trending_down -2.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

6,830

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$273

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wisconsin, candidates must complete a state-approved practical nursing program, which typically takes 1-2 years. After graduation, applicants must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and the Wisconsin Nurse Jurisprudence exam. The application for licensure is submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Board of Nursing, along with a fee of $73, and requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice without additional licensure unless establishing permanent residency in Wisconsin.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $50,560

25th percentile $55,310

50th (median) $61,040

75th percentile $66,400

90th (experienced) $74,880

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$73
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Must pass the Wisconsin Nurse Jurisprudence exam. No CE required for renewal. Requires a criminal background check and fingerprinting. Minimum age of 18. Must have completed at least two years of high school or its equivalent. Temporary permits are available for a $10 fee.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin? expand_more

To become a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($73 fee).

Do I need a license to work as a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin? expand_more

You cannot practice as a licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin without a state license from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Board of Nursing. The required exam is the NCLEX-PN.

How much do licensed practical nurses make in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $61,040/year. That's roughly in line with the $62,340 national median. Wages range from $50,560 (10th percentile) up to $74,880 (90th percentile).

What's the total cost to get licensed practical nurse certified in Wisconsin? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($200) and application fee ($73). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Wisconsin? expand_more

Expect to spend 1-2 years from start to finish in Wisconsin — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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