In Wisconsin, the nonprofit sector employs over 290,000 jobs, translating to nearly 12% of the workforce. These organizations contribute almost $46.5 billion annually to the economy through wages paid, retail and wholesale purchases, and professional service contracts. Understanding employment in the nonprofit sector, including topics like nonprofit compensation, is essential to preparing for what comes next for nonprofits and their communities.
In April 2026, The Helen Bader Institute (HBI) for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM) began surveying nonprofits throughout Wisconsin to collect the latest data on wages and benefits. The survey will currently be available until May 31, 2026.
Take the 2026 Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Survey Now
How much does the Report Cost?
We anticipate the report being available in July 2026. Once it’s published:
- Nonprofits that complete the survey and provide their contact information will receive one complimentary user license for digital access to the final report.
- Additional user licenses: $49 each.
- Non-participating nonprofits: $149 per license
Please note that we do everything possible to keep this report as affordable as possible. The Wisconsin Compensation Report is considerably less expensive than similar reports in other states.
If you would like to purchase The 2021 Wisconsin Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Report, it features:
- Data from organizations with budgets ranging from $250,000 to over $5 million
- Data from 19 service areas include human services, education, healthcare, arts, culture, and humanities.
- Benefits data on medical, dental, vision, holidays and leave, retirement plans, life insurance, etc.
- Data on gender pay gap challenges and opportunities.
- Salary data for numerous positions, including CEO/Executive Director and top-level positions.
The cost for the 2021 Digital Report is $99.00 for non-participants of the survey.
Get your copy of the 2021 report now
If you have questions about this publication or the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management, please contact hbi-info@uwm.edu.
Beginning in January 2026, The Helen Bader Institute (HBI) for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee (UWM) will again survey nonprofits throughout Wisconsin to collect the latest data on wages and benefits.
Please look for more information on the survey, including how to participate, in the coming months.
If you would like to purchase The 2021 Wisconsin Nonprofit Compensation & Benefits Report, it features:
- Data from organizations with budgets ranging from $250,000 to over $5 million
- Data from 19 service areas include human services, education, healthcare, arts, culture, and humanities.
- Benefits data on medical, dental, vision, holidays and leave, retirement plans, life insurance, etc.
- Data on gender pay gap challenges and opportunities.
- Salary data for numerous positions, including CEO/Executive Director and top-level positions.
How much does the Report Cost?
The cost for the 2021 Digital Report is $99.00 for non-participants of the survey. The survey is conducted every three years, and the Survey participants receive the Report for free.
Get your copy of the 2021 report now
If you have questions about this publication or the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management, please contact hbi-info@uwm.edu.