Travel Nursing Jobs
Wisconsin 2026
UW Health Madison, Children's Wisconsin Level IV NICU, Froedtert Health, and 40+ rural critical access hospitals. NLC Compact member.
- UW Health Madison — only academic medical center and Level I trauma in Wisconsin
- NLC Compact member — 40+ state licenses practice immediately
- Children's Wisconsin Level IV NICU — only highest-acuity NICU in WI, ECMO-capable
- 40+ rural WI critical access hospitals with persistent RN vacancies and shortage premiums
Start Your Wisconsin Assignment
CatSol recruiters specialize in WI placements — academic centers, pediatric hospitals, and rural critical access. Get matched in 24 hours.
Wisconsin NLC Compact Licensing
Compact License Holders — Practice Immediately
Wisconsin is a full NLC Compact member. Travel nurses holding a multistate license from any of the 40+ Compact states can accept a WI assignment and begin practice immediately. No WI endorsement application, no waiting period, no additional fees. Present your compact license to your WI facility.
Non-Compact States — Endorsement Required
Nurses licensed in non-compact states — including California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Oregon — must apply for a Wisconsin RN license by endorsement before starting an assignment. WI endorsement typically takes 4–8 weeks. CatSol recruiters can provide documentation checklists and help coordinate timing.
Compact status verified April 2026. Always confirm current compact membership at nursys.com before starting an assignment.
Wisconsin Income Tax for Travel Nurses
Wisconsin has a graduated income tax with a top marginal rate of 7.65% (for income above $374,600 in 2026). Most travel nurses' taxable base wages fall in the 4.4–5.3% bracket. On a $2,800/wk WI package with $1,000 taxable base, Wisconsin income tax is approximately $44–$53/wk — manageable compared to neighboring Midwest states.
| State | Top Rate | Travel Nurse Bracket |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 9.85% | 6.80% |
| Wisconsin ★ | 7.65% | 4.4–5.3% |
| Illinois | 4.95% | 4.95% (flat) |
| Iowa | 5.70% | 4.4–5.7% |
| Ohio | 3.99% | 2.75–3.99% |
Why Travel Nurses Choose Wisconsin
Academic prestige, pediatric excellence, rural autonomy, and Northwoods lifestyle.
UW Health Academic Center
Wisconsin's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. Affiliated with UW School of Medicine — NIH-funded research environment with subspecialty exposure.
Children's Wisconsin — Level IV NICU
Only Level IV NICU in Wisconsin. 68+ NICU beds, full pediatric subspecialties, ECMO capability. Nationally ranked by US News. RNC-NIC required.
NLC Compact Member
Wisconsin is a full NLC Compact member. Nurses licensed in any of 40+ Compact states can practice immediately — no WI endorsement needed.
Rural CAH Shortage Premium
40+ critical access hospitals across rural WI counties with persistent vacancies. Shortage premiums of $200–$400/wk above Milwaukee rates. High autonomy roles.
Outdoor Recreation Lifestyle
Lakes, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, Packers games, and the Northwoods. WI offers strong work-life balance between 13-week assignments.
Top Wisconsin Hospitals for Travel Nurses
Academic centers, nationally ranked pediatrics, and regional trauma hubs across WI.
UW Health University Hospital
MadisonWisconsin's only Level I trauma + academic medical center
NIH research environment, transplant, neurosurgical ICU, cardiac surgery. NLC Compact accepted.
Children's Wisconsin
MilwaukeeOnly Level IV NICU in Wisconsin — nationally ranked pediatric
RNC-NIC required. 2+ years Level III minimum. ECMO capability.
Froedtert Health
MilwaukeeLevel I trauma, academic — Medical College of Wisconsin affiliate
Largest adult trauma center in Milwaukee metro. Strong ICU and OR volume.
Gundersen Health System
La CrosseLevel II trauma — western WI, eastern MN, northeast IA regional hub
Serves tri-state region. Strong ED, ICU, and med-surg travel demand.
Aspirus Health
WausauLevel II trauma — north-central WI regional hub
Multi-hospital system serving rural north-central Wisconsin counties.
Wisconsin Travel Nurse Pay by Market
Weekly all-in packages including tax-free stipends. April 2026 rates.
| Market / Facilities | Weekly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madison (UW Health) | $2,600–$3,200/wk | Only academic Level I trauma in WI; research environment |
| Milwaukee (Froedtert, Children's WI, Advocate Aurora) | $2,400–$3,200/wk | Largest WI metro; Level I + Level IV NICU |
| Green Bay (Ascension NE WI, HSHS St. Vincent) | $2,200–$2,700/wk | Northeast WI hub; Level II trauma |
| La Crosse (Gundersen, Mayo Clinic Health System) | $2,200–$2,700/wk | Western WI tri-state hub |
| Wausau / Appleton (Aspirus, ThedaCare) | $2,100–$2,600/wk | North-central WI regional hospitals |
| Rural WI Critical Access (40+ CAH facilities) | $2,200–$2,700/wk | Shortage premium; RN often sole clinician on shift |
Pay ranges reflect all-in weekly packages (taxable base + non-taxable stipends) for RN positions. Actual offers depend on specialty, shift, and facility contract. Updated April 2026.
Live Travel Nursing Jobs — Wisconsin
Updated every 4 hours from the CatSol job board.
Wisconsin RN Shortage — New Jobs Weekly
Wisconsin travel nursing jobs are in high demand and fill quickly — especially NICU, trauma ICU, and rural CAH positions. Contact a CatSol recruiter to get matched before positions close.
Get Matched — WI JobsUW Health — Wisconsin's Only Academic Medical Center
Madison, WI — Level I Trauma & Academic Research Center
University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics (UW Health) in Madison is Wisconsin's only academic medical center and Level I trauma center. UW Health is affiliated with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health — one of the top research medical schools in the United States — and receives significant NIH funding across its clinical departments.
Travel nurses at UW Health work alongside medical residents, fellows, and attending physicians who are actively conducting NIH-funded research. The clinical environment is fast-paced, academically rigorous, and offers exposure to rare or complex patient presentations that community hospitals rarely see. For travel nurses seeking an academic credential on their resume, a UW Health placement is the most prestigious Wisconsin assignment and one of the strongest Midwest academic credits.
Key Specialties at UW Health
- Trauma ICU
- Neurosurgical ICU
- Cardiac Surgery ICU
- Transplant Nursing
- High-Risk OB / MFM
- Bone Marrow Transplant
Assignment Details
- Pay range: $2,600–$3,200/wk
- License: NLC Compact accepted
- Designation: Level I Trauma (only in WI)
- Affiliation: UW School of Medicine & Public Health
- Research exposure: Yes — active NIH-funded studies
Children's Wisconsin NICU — Only Level IV in Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI — AAP Level IV NICU & Nationally Ranked Pediatric Center
Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee operates the only Level IV NICU in the state of Wisconsin — the highest AAP acuity designation. A Level IV designation requires the full complement of on-site pediatric surgical subspecialties, medical subspecialty coverage, and ECMO capability. With 68+ NICU beds, Children's Wisconsin is the reference NICU for all neonates in Wisconsin requiring the highest level of care, and receives complex transfers from Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, and Illinois.
Children's Wisconsin is nationally ranked by US News & World Report. For travel NICU nurses, a Children's Wisconsin placement is among the most competitive and career-defining Midwest NICU assignments available.
Rural Wisconsin Critical Access Hospitals
40+ CAH facilities — shortage premiums, high autonomy, Northwoods lifestyle
Wisconsin has 40+ critical access hospitals (CAHs) across its rural counties — particularly in the northernmost counties (Iron, Vilas, Ashland, Douglas) and the central farm belt (Juneau, Jackson, Clark counties). These facilities consistently carry some of the highest travel RN vacancy rates in the state. Demand is especially acute in ED, ICU, and Med-Surg hybrid roles where a travel RN may serve as the sole licensed nurse on a shift.
Shortage premiums of $200–$400/wk above Milwaukee market rates are common at rural WI CAHs, making these assignments highly competitive from a savings standpoint. Many rural WI facilities offer flexible housing options and are located near excellent outdoor recreation — fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, and hiking in the Northwoods and Dells region.
High-Shortage Counties
- Iron County
- Vilas County
- Ashland County
- Douglas County
- Juneau County
- Jackson County
- Clark County
Rural WI CAH Assignment Profile
- Roles: ED/ICU/Med-Surg hybrid, often sole RN on shift
- Pay premium: $200–$400/wk above Milwaukee rates
- Pay range: $2,200–$2,700/wk all-in
- Autonomy: Very high — independent clinical decision-making
- Recreation: Fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, hiking
Travel Nursing Wisconsin — Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wisconsin accept NLC Compact licenses?
Yes. Wisconsin is a full NLC Compact member. Travel nurses holding a multistate license from any of the 40+ Compact states can practice in Wisconsin immediately — no WI endorsement or application needed. Non-compact state nurses (California, New York, Illinois, etc.) must apply for a Wisconsin RN license by endorsement before starting an assignment.
How much do travel nurses make at UW Health Madison?
Travel RNs at UW Health University Hospital in Madison typically earn $2,600–$3,200/wk all-in depending on specialty and shift. ICU, cardiac surgery, and transplant specialties command the higher end. Packages include tax-free housing and meal stipends. UW Health is the top-paying Wisconsin placement outside of Milwaukee pediatrics.
Is Children's Wisconsin the only Level IV NICU in Wisconsin?
Yes. Children's Wisconsin in Milwaukee operates the only AAP-designated Level IV NICU in the state of Wisconsin. Level IV is the highest NICU acuity designation and requires full pediatric subspecialty and surgical support, plus ECMO capability. All Level IV neonatal transfers from across Wisconsin are routed to Children's Wisconsin. Travel NICU RNs need RNC-NIC certification and at least 2 years of Level III or Level IV experience.
How does Wisconsin income tax affect travel nurse take-home pay?
Wisconsin has a graduated income tax with a top marginal rate of 7.65% (for income above $374,600). Most travel nurses' taxable base wages fall in the 4.4–5.3% bracket. On a $2,800/wk WI package with $1,000 taxable base, WI income tax is roughly $44–$53/wk. Wisconsin compares favorably to Minnesota (9.85% top rate) but is higher than Illinois (4.95%) and Ohio (3.99%). CatSol recruiters can help optimize your stipend structure to minimize taxable income.
What are the top travel nursing specialties in Wisconsin?
The highest-demand travel nursing specialties in Wisconsin are: Level IV NICU (only at Children's Wisconsin — very competitive), trauma ICU and neurosurgical ICU (UW Health), cardiac surgery ICU (UW Health and Froedtert), emergency nursing (multiple Level I and Level II trauma centers), and med-surg / ED hybrid roles at rural critical access hospitals. OR and L&D travel nurses are also consistently needed across Milwaukee and Madison facilities.
Are there travel nursing opportunities in rural Wisconsin?
Yes — rural Wisconsin has some of the best travel nursing opportunities in the Midwest for nurses seeking high autonomy, strong savings rates, and outdoor recreation. Wisconsin has 40+ critical access hospitals (CAHs), with the highest vacancy concentrations in the northernmost counties (Iron, Vilas, Ashland, Douglas) and the central farm belt (Juneau, Jackson, Clark). Rural WI travel nurses often serve as the sole RN on an ED/ICU/Med-Surg hybrid shift and earn shortage premiums of $200–$400/wk above Milwaukee market rates.
Start Your Wisconsin Assignment
UW Health, Children's Wisconsin, Froedtert, Gundersen, or rural CAH — CatSol places travel nurses across all Wisconsin markets.
NLC Compact processed in 24 hours. Non-compact endorsement support included. Stipend optimization to maximize WI take-home pay.