Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator 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 Nursing Home Administrator in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Further details of license requirements may be found in NHA 4 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certificate under this chapter may use the title Nursing Home Administrator or the abbreviation NHA after their name
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
$126,170 median (7% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $126,170, Nursing Home Administrators in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $117,960. Wisconsin ranks #12 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
$126,170Hourly estimate
$60.667% above national median
Difference: +$8,210
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#12 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $126,170 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $114,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $100,750 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $113,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $103,860 | 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 | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- 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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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator 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 Nursing Home Administrators in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Wisconsin is $126,170. Salaries range from $91,290 (10th percentile) to $216,840 (90th percentile).
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $126,170.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 5,960 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators 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 Nursing Home Administrator license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.