Wisconsin's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Explore Rewarding Opportunities and Competitive Compensation Amid Natural Beauty and Community Support
Here in Wisconsin, we’ve got more than just our famous cheese and picturesque landscapes—our nursing job market is thriving, reflecting the heart and resilience of our communities. With a mix of urban energy in cities like Milwaukee and Madison, alongside the tranquility of the Northwoods, nurses here can find a diverse array of opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses in Wisconsin earn a mean annual salary of approximately $77,320, which translates to about $37.14 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average of $82,750 annually, or $39.76 per hour, but our cost of living is generally more affordable. As we revel in our natural beauty—be it the stunning Door County landscapes or the vibrant cultural scene in our urban centers—nurses here can enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle while maintaining a good work-life balance.
The Wisconsin nursing job market is robust and growing, with nearly 72,000 registered nurses currently employed throughout the state. As the demand for healthcare continues to rise, especially in our aging population, we anticipate a significant need for new nursing professionals, estimated at 10,700 additional positions by 2028. Our state is quite favorable for travel nursing as well, particularly during peak seasons of summer and winter, when many facilities require extra hands to accommodate increased patient loads. Additionally, the per diem nursing market is becoming increasingly popular—NurseRecruiter estimates that approximately 11,500 per diem nurses are currently working in Wisconsin, allowing flexibility for those who want to balance work with personal commitments. Across our major cities, such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, and Appleton, there are numerous healthcare facilities, including over 130 hospitals and countless clinics looking for skilled nurses, creating a vibrant job market.
In terms of healthcare infrastructure, Wisconsin is continuously investing in expanding and improving its facilities, with a strong focus on advancing specialties like geriatrics, pediatrics, and mental health nursing. Community programs and public health initiatives aimed at improving overall health outcomes also play a key role in nurturing nursing careers here. With a population of over 5.8 million, our state is expected to grow and diversify even further in the coming years, increasing the demand for healthcare professionals. The opportunities are brimming alongside a supportive community culture that values health and wellness, underscoring the importance of our nursing roles. As you consider your career options, I invite you to sign up for NurseRecruiter to explore job opportunities right here in Wisconsin—it's a fantastic resource for both nurses seeking new roles and employers hunting for local candidates to fill essential nursing positions. Together, we can continue to make our state a healthy, nurturing place to live and work.
