Kenosha vs Madison: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Kenosha, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kenosha, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,523 | $106,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.08 | $51.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,047 | $86,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,953 | $91,904▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,509 | $108,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,763 | $129,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,730 | 10,650▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kenosha.
The salary gap between Kenosha and Madison is $19,040 (21.75%). Madison's median is +3.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kenosha spans $24,716,Madison spans $43,683. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($109,535 effective) pays 26.55% more than Kenosha ($86,555 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kenosha if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,784)
- ✓Larger job market (10,650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,535)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Kenosha grew -1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Kenosha, WI
$84,500 (2024) → $83,110 (2025)
Madison, WI
$78,960 (2019) → $101,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kenosha, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Kenosha or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kenosha and Madison?
Should I relocate from Kenosha to Madison as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Kenosha vs Madison?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov