Stacker story: highest-paying metros for nurses

Explore top areas in all 50 states where working in nursing pays more than other occupations.


The Highest-Paying Metro for Nurses in Every State (2026 Update)

be kind to your mind world mental health day

Check out these top ways to prioritize yourself today and everyday.


5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This World Mental Health Day

We appreciate the 4.4 million nurses serving the nation. Check this page May 6th – 12th as we say thanks.


Celebrate Nurses Week 2025 with Vivian Health

Wausau

Only Milwaukee, Wisconsin reports pay data for Travel Acute Care Nurses, averaging $2,468 per week. Milwaukee, Wisconsin also has the highest ceiling, with max weekly pay reaching $2,600. For comparison, the Wisconsin average for Travel Acute Care Nurses is $2,392 per week — Milwaukee, Wisconsin pays 3% more.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin pays Travel Acute Care Nurses the most, averaging $2,468 per week, followed by Madison, Wisconsin ($2,267) and Janesville, Wisconsin ($2,142). Milwaukee, Wisconsin also has the highest ceiling, with max weekly pay reaching $2,600. For comparison, the Wisconsin average for Travel Acute Care Nurses is $2,392 per week — Milwaukee, Wisconsin pays 3% more.

Only Madison, Wisconsin reports pay data for Acute Care Nurses, averaging $61 per hour. Madison, Wisconsin also has the highest ceiling, with max hourly pay reaching $65. For comparison, the Wausau, WI average for Registered Nurses is $33 per hour — Madison, Wisconsin pays 86% more.

Madison

Sioux Falls

Independence

Appleton

Green Bay

Registered Nurses who provide direct patient care, administer medications, coordinate treatment plans, and monitor patient conditions across diverse healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics and outpatient centers, home health and hospice, schools and public health settings, travel nursing assignments, corrections, long-term acute care, and non-bedside roles such as case management, informatics, education, and telehealth.

Acute Care Nurse Salary Guide: Wausau, WI

How Acute Care Nurse Salaries in Wausau Compare to Other Cities

Acute Care Nurse Career Guide

Get alerts about new jobs and salary trends in Wausau, WI

Featured Blog Posts