Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered 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 Registered 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
$86,070 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Registered 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 $86,070, Registered Nurses in Wisconsin earn 8% below the national median of $93,600. Wisconsin ranks #25 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
$86,070Hourly estimate
$41.388% below national median
Difference: -$7,530
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | $123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | $112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | $110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $86,070 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $100,870 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $76,960 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $86,410 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $85,670 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| 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
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $74,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $60,520 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $90,380 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered 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 Registered Nurses in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Wisconsin is $86,070. Salaries range from $74,970 (10th percentile) to $109,270 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Wisconsin earn 8% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $86,070.
How many Registered Nurses work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 64,960 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered 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 Registered 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 Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.