Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Licensed Practical Nurse Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for licensed practical nurse in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,040 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#28 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $61,040, Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin earn 2% below the national median of $62,340. Wisconsin ranks #28 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$61,040Hourly estimate
$29.352% below national median
Difference: -$1,300
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationLicensed Practical Nurse Salary Ranking
#28 of 50 statesfor Licensed Practical Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $79,700 |
| #2 | Rhode Island | $77,940 |
| #3 | Alaska | $77,670 |
| #4 | California | $77,170 |
| #5 | Oregon | $76,570 |
Nearby States Comparison
Licensed Practical Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $61,040 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $60,870 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $59,460 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $66,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $63,810 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Michigan | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
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|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $74,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Licensed Practical Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Licensed Practical Nurse licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin is $61,040. Salaries range from $50,560 (10th percentile) to $74,880 (90th percentile).
How does the Licensed Practical Nurse salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin earn 2% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $61,040.
How many Licensed Practical Nurses work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 6,830 Licensed Practical Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Licensed Practical Nurse license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Licensed Practical Nurse license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.