HealthcareUpdated Q1 2025

ICU Nurse Salary
in Milwaukee, WI

Provide intensive care to critically ill patients in hospital intensive care units. Median salary in Milwaukee: $96K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$96K
per year
Take-home: $62K

Salary range in Milwaukee

Entry level (25th)$76,000
Median (50th)$96,000
Senior (75th)$120,000
Top earner (90th)$147,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Key facts for Milwaukee

Median salary
$96K
annual
Take-home pay
$62K
after fed/state tax
COL index
90
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.3%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,200
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Milwaukee ICU Nurse to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $96K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Milwaukee

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
ICU Nurse salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$80K$87K$95K$102K$109K201920212023202520272029
2026
$98K
projected
2027
$101K
projected
2028
$103K
projected
2029
$106K
projected
2030
$109K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$96,000+$0
2028 projected$96,000+$0
2029 projected$96,000+$0
2030 projected$96,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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ICU Nurse Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Complete Guide (2026)

The median ICU Nurse salary in Milwaukee, WI is $96,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Milwaukee–WI metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for ICU Nurse in Milwaukee

Entry-level ICU Nurses in Milwaukee with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $76,000 and $96,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $96,000 to $120,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $120,000 to $147,000 or more.

Cost of living in Milwaukee for ICU Nurses

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 90 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 10% further in Milwaukee than the national average. Wisconsin has a 5.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for ICU Nurse

BSN; RN licensure; CCRN certification. 3% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

ICU Nurse salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Milwaukee (current)$96K90
Madison102
Green Bay88
Kenosha90