Average registered nurse compensation in Wisconsin across seven career stages — from new grad RN to Chief Nursing Officer. Updated 2026 benchmarks to help you negotiate, plan, and grow.
RN Salary by Role in Wisconsin
RN salaries in Wisconsin sit close to the national average, with staff nurses earning around $74,000 a year.
Pay climbs steadily with experience and responsibility. New grad RNs in Wisconsin typically start around $54,000, while nurses who move into specialty units like the ICU, ER, or OR can expect closer to $84,000. Stepping into leadership pays off too — nurse managers average around $94,000, directors of nursing around $109,000, and chief nursing officers can earn $129,000 or more. Nurses who pursue advanced practice (NP, CNS, CRNA, or CNM) report average earnings near $94,000.
Wisconsin is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a multistate RN or LPN license issued here is valid for practice in other compact states — useful for travel nursing, telehealth, or relocating without re-licensing.
As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Wisconsin.
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