Best LPN Programs in Madison 2026

The healthcare employment landscape in Madison, Wisconsin, is vibrant and expanding, standing out nationally for its innovation and high standard of care. This sector accounts for nearly 14% of the total regional employment, supporting over 68,000 professionals across 3,903 establishments. From 2017 to 2022, the healthcare industry in the Madison Region experienced a 9.3% growth, partly driven by the increasing demand for services stemming from an aging population. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a crucial role in this dynamic environment, often earning an average of $30.07 per hour in Madison, with salaries typically ranging from approximately $23.27 to $36.03 per hour.

Diverse Facilities Employing LPNs

• Hospitals:Major hospital systems are significant employers for LPNs in Madison. These include UW Health, an integrated academic health system and Dane County’s largest employer, operating University Hospital and American Family Children’s Hospital. SSM Health also represents a key employer for LPNs within its network.
• Nursing Homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities:These facilities are a primary source of employment for LPNs, where they are vital for assessment, care planning, and direct patient care. Examples in the area include St. Mary’s Care Center, Middleton Village Nursing and Rehab, and Oakwood Village University Woods Homes, Inc. Facilities such as Nazareth Health and Rehab actively recruit LPNs.
• Rehabilitation Centers:LPNs frequently find full-time and per diem opportunities in rehabilitation settings. The UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a collaboration with Lifepoint Health, and Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center are examples of such employers.
• Senior Living Facilities/Assisted Living:LPNs are essential in assisted living and senior living communities, providing critical support and care. Prominent examples include Oakwood Village Madison, Charter Senior Living of Verona, and Capitol Lakes Health Center.
• Home Health Agencies:Agencies like Maxim Healthcare Services and Interim HealthCare hire LPNs for providing in-home patient care, including specialized pediatric homecare and hospice services.
• Private Practices and Clinics:A variety of clinic settings, including specialized outpatient clinics, employ LPNs. UnityPoint Health – Meriter, SSM Health Dean Medical Group, and Premise Health hire LPNs for clinic roles, with some positions offering consistent Monday through Friday schedules. UW Health also operates over 90 clinics that offer employment opportunities.
• Other Facilities:LPNs can also find roles in other healthcare-related establishments such as Dane County Jail and BioLife Plasma Services, often in medical support specialist capacities.

Major Healthcare Employers in Madison

Several leading healthcare organizations are recognized for consistently hiring LPNs across Madison:

• UW Health:As Wisconsin’s top-ranked hospital system and the largest employer in Dane County, UW Health consistently seeks LPNs for its hospitals and numerous clinics.
• SSM Health:This major healthcare provider in the region offers diverse LPN positions within its clinics and care centers.
• UnityPoint Health – Meriter:A key player in the Madison healthcare market, UnityPoint Health – Meriter also provides substantial LPN employment opportunities.
• Agrace:A known employer for practical nurses in the Madison area, often specializing in hospice and palliative care.

Wisconsin LPN Workforce Data

While the LPN workforce in Wisconsin has seen a cumulative decrease of over 40% since 2011, and an approximately 19% decrease between 2021 and 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) projects a 5% increase in LPN job openings over a 10-year period. In 2023, the mean age of LPNs in Wisconsin was 48.3 years. The most common principal places of work for LPNs in Wisconsin are extended care facilities (43%) and ambulatory care settings (30%).