Registered Nurse Salary in Milwaukee, WI (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$91,040
in Milwaukee · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$95,158
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#93
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Milwaukee
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Milwaukee, WI is $91,040 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $7,587/month or $44/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Milwaukee pays 6% less than the typical city.
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95.7 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $91,040 in Milwaukee is equivalent to $95,158 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Milwaukee metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Milwaukee
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $114,100 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $70,320 |
| Electrician | $74,520 |
| Accountant | $90,070 |
Full cost of living profile for Milwaukee
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Milwaukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Milwaukee?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Milwaukee, WI is $91,040 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Milwaukee Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Milwaukee Registered Nurse pay ($91,040) is 6% below the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Milwaukee?
Yes. Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 95.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $91,040 salary in Milwaukee has the purchasing power of approximately $95,158 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology