What RNs earn in Milwaukee
Registered nurses in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro earn a median of $97,360 a year, right at the national RN median of $97,550. The middle half of RNs here earn between $82,570 and $105,000, so experience, specialty and shift differentials can move you a long way inside that range. Among the 60 metro markets The RN Network tracks, Milwaukee ranks #27 for median RN pay.
| Role | Median | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $97,360 | $82,570 – $105,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $134,350 | $127,460 – $149,520 |
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $282,840 | $264,710 – $288,540 |
| Nurse Midwife | $141,520 | $124,120 – $152,510 |
Powered by RN Workforce Insights™ · 2025 annual pay. Typical range is the 25th to 75th percentile.
Cost of living and the Milwaukee nursing market
Pay only tells half the story. A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent runs about $1,338 a month in Milwaukee, which is roughly 16% of a median RN salary before taxes. That leaves RNs here more room in the budget than in most big nursing markets.
About 22,400 RNs work in this metro, the #35 largest RN workforce of the markets we track. The RN Network directory lists 127 healthcare employers in Milwaukee and Waukesha, including 60 behavioral health facilities, 22 dialysis centers, 21 long-term care facilities and 11 hospitals.
Hospitals hiring nurses in Milwaukee
Every hospital below has its own page with pay context, nearby openings and a direct line to its careers site.
Nursing jobs in Milwaukee
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Career advice for Milwaukee nurses
Watch the latest episode of Nursing Matters, the show that helps nurses find the right job, land the offer and grow their careers.
You Passed the NCLEX. Can You Lose This License? Nursing Matters Episode 102626
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Read the article →Common questions about nursing in Milwaukee
How much do registered nurses make in Milwaukee?
The median RN salary in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro is $97,360 a year, and the middle half of RNs earn between $82,570 and $105,000.
What do nurse practitioners earn in Milwaukee?
Nurse practitioners in the Milwaukee metro earn a median of $134,350 a year.
Can a nurse afford to live in Milwaukee?
A two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent costs about $1,338 a month in Milwaukee, roughly 16% of a median RN salary before taxes.
Which hospitals hire nurses in Milwaukee?
Hospitals in the Milwaukee area include Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital, Aurora St Lukes Medical Center, Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Ascension Columbia St Marys Hospital Milwaukee, Ascension St Francis Hospital. See the full list in The RN Network facility directory.
How do I find a nursing job in Milwaukee?
Browse current Wisconsin openings on The RN Network job board, claim your free Talent Agent profile so employers hiring in Milwaukee can find you, and compare pay using the Wisconsin salary guide.