Milwaukee's Thriving Nursing Job Market: Competitive Salaries, Growing Demand, and an Enriching Urban Lifestyle Await Healthcare Professionals
Here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, we boast not just a vibrant culture and stunning Lake Michigan shoreline but also a dynamic nursing job market that is continually expanding. The average nursing salary in Milwaukee ranges from $65,000 to $75,000 annually, translating to approximately $31.25 to $36.06 per hour. In comparison, the state average for Wisconsin is about $71,900 per year, or $34.55 per hour, while the national average hovers around $80,010 annually or $38.46 per hour. Milwaukee stands out among its big-city rivals—like Chicago—where the cost of living is significantly higher, even if their average nursing salaries are slightly elevated. Here, we cherish a unique blend of professional opportunity and community connection, allowing nurses not only to thrive in their careers but also in their personal lives surrounded by friendly neighborhoods, breweries, and festivals celebrating our rich culture.
Diving deeper into Milwaukee's nursing job landscape, we see a burgeoning demand for healthcare professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for registered nurses will grow approximately 9% from 2020 to 2030, and NurseRecruiter estimates that Milwaukee will require around 1,500 new nurses within the next few years to keep up with both expansion and attrition in our healthcare facilities. Currently, we have about 15,000 nurses working in the area. Additionally, the demand for travel nursing and per diem opportunities is high, with numerous travel assignments popping up during peak seasons like summer when there’s an increased influx of tourists. Milwaukee is home to several major healthcare facilities, including Froedtert Hospital, Ascension Wisconsin, and Children's Wisconsin, all of which are significant employers in the nursing field. When compared to nearby cities such as Madison or Green Bay, Milwaukee not only offers a broader scope of nursing roles but also a more comprehensive salary range and a bustling urban lifestyle.
The healthcare infrastructure in Milwaukee is both robust and evolving, with a mix of community hospitals, specialty clinics, and innovative healthcare startups. With over 10 major hospitals and dozens of clinics, the opportunities for nurses specializing in areas ranging from pediatrics to critical care are plentiful. Recent investments in healthcare, such as expansions at Froedtert and the construction of new facilities, signal a promising future for job seekers. Our city, with a population of roughly 590,000, is projected to grow steadily, fostering a vibrant community life enhanced by public health initiatives that encourage preventative care and wellness. From Lakefront Brewery to the Milwaukee Art Museum, our city offers an engaging lifestyle punctuated by cultural festivities, food experiences, and a welcoming spirit. For current and prospective nurses, Milwaukee presents an inviting hub for professional growth with ample opportunities. We encourage you to sign up for NurseRecruiter to discover local job matches and explore our rich nursing landscape, while employers can connect with talent through the same platform.
