Entry-Level Nurse Practitioner Salary in Superior, WI: $105,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:New nurse practitioners entering the Superior, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $105,816 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1171, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Superior's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $113,293 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,265) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level nurse practitioner salary in Superior, Wisconsin, begins at around $105,816, presenting an understandable starting point for recent graduates entering the field. When compared to the city's median salary of $130,265, there's a noticeable gap that reflects the initial phase of a nurse practitioner's career. New graduates can realistically expect to grow into the $119,145 range fairly quickly as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, a steady trajectory can be seen, moving from the starting salary up towards the median. Given these figures, Superior is a competitive market for new NPs, particularly for those willing to engage with local healthcare systems that may offer an excellent support framework for novice practitioners.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($126,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Superior
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
Entry-level nurse practitioners in Superior, WI typically start between $105,816 and $119,145 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $65,329 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,265 — 4.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average advanced practice nursing program cost in Wisconsin of $80,000 represents just 75.60% of the starting nurse practitioner pay ($105,816/year) in Superior. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CCNE- and ACEN-accredited graduate nursing programs. Tuition varies significantly between public in-state MSN programs and private DNP programs, and often requires completed BSN coursework as a prerequisite.
NP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Superior
- 1Research the Superior market: entry-level nurse practitioner pay ranges from $105,816 to $119,145, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the advanced practice nursing field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Superior, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Superior for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Superior's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Nurse Practitioner Compensation Range
The nurse practitioner wage spread in Superior is $65,329 ( 61.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $105,816, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,145.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$82,171
2025 BLS Actual
$102,287
2026 Current Est.
$105,816
2019–2027 Growth
+33.2%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,171 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,735 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,413 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,467 | Projected |
Entry-level nurse practitioner compensation (10th percentile) in Superior, WI grew 24.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $82,171 in 2019 to $102,287 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $109,467. New graduates entering the Superior job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your advanced practice nursing Career in Superior
Employers in Superior actively recruiting new nurse practitioners often include primary care offices and urgent care centers, many of which provide structured onboarding programs tailored for recent graduates. Large hospital systems might offer residency or fellowship opportunities, which can significantly enhance both skills and starting salaries. Important credentials such as an active RN license, an MSN or DNP from an accredited institution, and national certification from either ANCC or AANP can position new grads more favorably in the job market. Moreover, obtaining population-focused certifications can lead to higher pay rates, particularly for specialties like PMHNP, where demand is exceptionally strong. Over the initial years of practice, nurse practitioners can anticipate incremental salary growth as they establish their clinical skills and seek opportunities in full-practice states where they may have more autonomy, ultimately influencing their earning potential long-term.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for nurse practitioners in Superior in 2026?
How fast do nurse practitioner salaries grow in Superior?
Is advanced practice nursing school worth it in Superior?
What do new nurse practitioners make right out of school in Superior?
How do I become a nurse practitioner in Wisconsin?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new advanced practice nursing graduates. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Superior. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov