In Milwaukee, WI, Registered Nurses earn a median of $82,780 a year — about 12% below the U.S. median of $94,480. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #33.
What that pay is worth in Milwaukee
Local prices run 97 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $88,230 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $91,018 in national-average buying power.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 — 1.9 times the average Registered Nurse salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,033/mo takes roughly 14% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Registered Nurse pay ladder in Milwaukee
Entry-level (10th percentile) Registered Nurses earn about $69,200; the top 10% reach $106,900 — a $37,700 spread, moderate for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Registered Nurse job market in Milwaukee
Milwaukee employs roughly 20,930 Registered Nurses. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Milwaukee with other cities
See the full Registered Nurse salary by city ranking to weigh Milwaukee against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Registered Nurses make in Milwaukee?
The average Registered Nurse in Milwaukee, WI earns about $88,230 per year, 6.6% below the national average of $94,480.
What is the take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Milwaukee after taxes?
After federal and WI taxes, this $88,230 salary is worth about $67,567 a year - roughly $5,630 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Registered Nurses earn in Milwaukee?
The top 10% of Registered Nurses in Milwaukee earn about $106,900 a year, versus about $69,200 for the bottom 10%.
Can Registered Nurses afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 - roughly 1.9x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.