Indiana vs Wisconsin: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Highest physician salaries in the nation. Both exceed $400K on average — which is the better move?
Indiana
2,816
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $75,580
- Avg physician salary
- $410,000
- Cost of living
- 91.0
- Top state income tax
- 3%
Wisconsin
2,435
providers in directory
- Avg RN salary
- $82,910
- Avg physician salary
- $405,000
- Cost of living
- 94.6
- Top state income tax
- 7.65%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indiana | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Providers in directory | 2,816 | 2,435 |
| Cities served | 223 | 248 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $75,580 | $82,910 |
| Avg physician salary | $410,000 | $405,000 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 91.0 | 94.6 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 3% | 7.65% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Indiana
- Indianapolis705
- Fort Wayne200
- Evansville124
- South Bend80
- Lafayette77
Wisconsin
- Milwaukee366
- Madison343
- Green Bay100
- La Crosse99
- Eau Claire79
Notable Health Systems
Indiana
- • IU Health
- • Community Health Network
- • Ascension St. Vincent
Wisconsin
- • UW Health
- • Marshfield Clinic
- • Froedtert Health
- • Aurora Health Care
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Indiana or Wisconsin?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Wisconsin earn an average of $82,910, compared to $75,580 in Indiana. The gap is roughly $7,330 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Indiana or Wisconsin?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Indiana earn approximately $410,000 on average, compared to $405,000 in Wisconsin. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
How does the cost of living compare between Indiana and Wisconsin?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Indiana is 91.0 and Wisconsin is 94.6. Indiana (91.0) is the more affordable of the two, while Wisconsin (94.6) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
How many healthcare providers practice in Indiana vs. Wisconsin?
The Ava Health directory lists 2,816 providers in Indiana across 223 cities, and 2,435 providers in Wisconsin across 248 cities. All data is sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and updated regularly.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 3%, while Wisconsin's top rate is 7.65%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision — states with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary; Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most; Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide — the decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.