How much does a Registered Nurse license cost in Wisconsin?

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin costs $405 upfront (exam fee $200, application fee $130, license fee $75). Renewal runs $110 every 2 years.

How much do licensed registered nurses earn in Wisconsin?

Licensed registered nurses in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $78,260/year, compared to $38,220/year without the license.

How many CE hours are required to renew a Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires 30 continuing education hours every 2 years to renew a Registered Nurse license.

Registered Nurse Licenses › Wisconsin

Registered Nurse License Cost in Wisconsin 2026: $405 Fees, $78K Salary

Getting a Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.

Registered Nurse License in Wisconsin — Key Numbers

$405

Upfront Cost

$78K

Median Salary (Licensed)

$110

Renewal (every 2 yrs)

0.1 mo

Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Wisconsin

Exam fee $200

Application fee $130

Initial license fee $75

Total upfront $405

Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $110

CE hours required per cycle 30 hours

Salary without license (Wisconsin) $38,220/yr

Salary with license (Wisconsin) $78,260/yr

5-year net ROI $200K

Licensing body: Wisconsin Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Registered Nurse License in Wisconsin — What to Know

Wisconsin nursing demand is steady across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health. The $78K median is below coastal averages but represents strong purchasing power at Wisconsin's cost of living. Rural healthcare is a growing area of demand in Wisconsin, where RN shortages are acute in remote counties. Travel nursing contracts to higher-paying states are common for Wisconsin-licensed nurses. The upfront licensing cost — NCLEX plus state fees — typically runs $400–$500.

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Other License Costs in Wisconsin

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← All states: Registered Nurse License Costs

All certifications in Wisconsin · Payback period by state

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