A Local's Guide to Accounting Careers in Green Bay, Wisconsin

If you're an accountant looking at Green Bay, you're likely drawn by the Packers, the lakeside vibe, or the chance to live in a city that feels both big enough to matter and small enough to know. As a local career analyst who’s watched this market for years, I can tell you that Green Bay offers a unique blend of stability, affordability, and a tight-knit professional network. It’s not the booming tech hub of Madison or the corporate giant of Milwaukee, but for the right accountant, it’s a place where you can build a solid career without the crushing pressure of a major metro.

This guide is built on real data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, and local market observations. We’ll cut through the fluff and give you the straight numbers and insider tips you need to decide if Green Bay is your next home.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

Let’s start with the most critical data: what you’ll earn. The accounting market in the Green Bay metro area (which includes Brown and Outagamie counties) is stable and pays competitively, especially when you factor in the low cost of living.

The median salary for accountants and auditors in the Green Bay metro is $84,039 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.4. For context, the national average for the same role is $86,080. This puts Green Bay’s median salary at about 97.6% of the national average—a very respectable showing. When you adjust for the local cost of living, which is 92.1 (meaning 7.9% below the U.S. average), your paycheck goes significantly further here than in most other cities.

The job market is modest but consistent. There are approximately 211 jobs for accountants and auditors in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which is slower than the national average but reflects the stable, mature nature of Green Bay’s economy. You won’t see explosive growth, but you also won’t see the dramatic boom-and-bust cycles of more volatile markets.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, salaries vary significantly by experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Green Bay area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Green Bay)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $72,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic reconciliations, assisting with audits.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$70,000 - $90,000	General Ledger, financial reporting, tax preparation, supervising junior staff.
Senior	8-15 years	$85,000 - $115,000	Team management, complex reporting, budgeting & forecasting, client advisory.
Expert/Manager	15+ years	$110,000 - $145,000+	Department head, controller, CFO (at smaller firms), strategic advisory.

Insider Tip: Salaries at larger employers (like the major hospitals or public accounting firms) tend to be at the higher end of these ranges, while smaller local firms or non-profits might start lower but offer more flexibility and work-life balance.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

How does Green Bay stack up against its in-state peers?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	True Value Proposition
Green Bay	$84,039	92.1	Best balance of salary and affordability.
Milwaukee	$86,080	97.4	Slightly higher salary, but higher cost of living and more competition.
Madison	$87,500	99.2	Highest salary in the state, but cost of living is near the U.S. average.
Eau Claire	$78,500	90.1	Lower salary, even lower cost of living. Very stable, smaller market.

Analysis: Green Bay sits in a sweet spot. It's not the cheapest (like Eau Claire) nor the highest paying (like Madison), but the $84,039 median salary combined with the 92.1 cost of living index gives it the highest effective purchasing power for an accountant in Wisconsin. You can live well here on an entry- or mid-level salary in a way that’s tough in Madison or Milwaukee.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is only as good as what you can do with it. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary of $84,039.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross Salary: $84,039 / Year)

Category	Calculation	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$84,039 / 12	$7,003
Taxes (Federal, FICA, State)	~22% effective rate	-$1,541	Varies by filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions.
Net Monthly Pay	Gross - Taxes	~$5,462
Rent (1-Bedroom Apartment)	Average Rent	-$841	Green Bay Average: $841/month.
Utilities (Est.)	Heat, Electric, Internet	-$250	Higher in winter; lower in summer.
Groceries		-$400	For one person.
Car Payment & Insurance		-$400	Essential in Green Bay; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Est.)	Employer portion	-$200	If not fully covered.
Misc. (Dining, Entertainment)		-$300
Remaining for Savings/Debt		~$3,071	This is a strong savings rate.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $3,000 left after core expenses and rent, a mid-career accountant could easily save for a down payment. The median home price in the Green Bay area is around $275,000 (as of late 2023). A 20% down payment is $55,000. With the savings potential shown above, an accountant earning the $84,039 median could save for that down payment in under two years, assuming disciplined budgeting. Monthly mortgage payments on a $275,000 home with a 6% rate and 20% down would be roughly $1,650/month, which is very manageable on the net income of $5,462.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The accounting job market in Green Bay is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, manufacturing, and public accounting. The "211 jobs" figure from the BLS is spread across these areas. Here are the major local employers you should target:

1. Aurora BayCare Medical Center & Bellin Health: These are the two largest healthcare systems. They have large, internal accounting departments handling complex medical billing, compliance, and regulatory reporting. Hiring Trend: Steady. They need CPAs and accountants who understand healthcare finance and HIPAA regulations. Look for roles like "Revenue Cycle Accountant" or "Financial Analyst."

2. Green Bay Packaging, Inc.: A major, family-owned paper and packaging manufacturer with a significant local footprint. Their corporate headquarters is in Green Bay. Hiring Trend: Stable. They hire for cost accounting, internal audit, and corporate accounting. This is a great place for accountants with a manufacturing or industrial background.

3. Schneider National: A Fortune 500 trucking and logistics company headquartered in Green Bay. Their finance department is substantial, dealing with everything from asset accounting to fuel cost analysis. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to the economy and freight rates, but generally robust. They value analytical accountants who can handle large datasets.

4. The Green Bay Packers & Related Businesses: While the NFL team itself is a non-profit, the ecosystem around it—including the stadium authority (Lambeau Field), corporate sponsors, and hospitality businesses—creates accounting roles. Hiring Trend: Seasonal peaks (around fiscal year-end and the NFL season), but year-round needs in event accounting and merchandising.

5. Large Public Accounting Firms (Local Offices): The "Big 4" have a minor presence, but regional and local firms like RSM, Baker Tilly, and local CPA firms (e.g., Wipfli, The Burton Group) are the real players. They serve the small-to-mid-sized business market. Hiring Trend: Strong demand for audit and tax staff, especially from January through April. This is the fastest path to your CPA license and a broad skill set.

6. Green Bay Area Public School District: A major government employer with a complex budget and grant accounting needs. Hiring Trend: Stable, cyclical hiring tied to the school fiscal year (July 1). Good for those seeking government accounting experience.

7. Nicolet National Bank: A regional bank headquartered in Green Bay. They have corporate finance, internal audit, and loan accounting roles. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on commercial lending and regulatory compliance.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers are located in the downtown corridor, the Fox River Business Park, or near the airport (Austin Straubel International Airport) on the east side. Commutes from most neighborhoods are under 20 minutes.

Getting Licensed in Wisconsin

Becoming a CPA is the gold standard for career advancement in accounting. Wisconsin has its own specific requirements, overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (120 credit hours) with a major in accounting is the minimum to sit for the CPA exam. To get the license, you need 150 credit hours, which typically means a master’s in accounting (MAcc) or a double major. Many local candidates get their 150 hours through the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay) or St. Norbert College master’s programs, or through online programs.
2. CPA Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can take the exam in Wisconsin (testing centers in Green Bay, Milwaukee, etc.) before meeting all education requirements, but you must meet them to be licensed.
3. Experience: You need two years (4,000 hours) of qualifying work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the Wisconsin-specific ethics exam.
5. Application: Submit your application to the DSPS. The total cost for the CPA exam application, fees, and ethics exam is approximately $1,200 - $1,500. This does not include the cost of your 150-credit education.

Timeline: If you start with a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, the typical path is:

• Year 1-2: Complete a MAcc program or extra credits.
• Year 2: Pass the CPA exam.
• Years 2-4: Complete the 2-year experience requirement.
• Year 4: Apply for and receive your CPA license.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the public accounting firms, will offer tuition reimbursement for your MAcc program and pay for your CPA exam fees and study materials. This is a key benefit to negotiate when job hunting.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Green Bay’s neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles and commute times. Here’s a breakdown of the best fits for accountants:

1. Downtown Green Bay: For those who want to be in the heart of the action. Walkable, with a growing restaurant and bar scene. You’re a short walk from the courthouse, many law firms, and downtown offices. Commute: 0-5 minutes to most downtown offices. Avg. 1BR Rent: $950 - $1,100/month. Best for young professionals and those who don’t want to drive.

2. Astor Park / East Side (Near Bay Park Square Mall): This is where many young professionals and families live. It’s the commercial and retail hub of the city (Target, grocery stores, restaurants). Commutes to major employers (Schneider, Aurora BayCare) are very short. Commute: 5-10 minutes. Avg. 1BR Rent: $850 - $1,000/month.

3. Allouez / De Pere (South of the River): These suburbs are quieter, with more single-family homes. They’re popular with families and established professionals. Commute to downtown is easy via the Mason Street or Webster Avenue bridges. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Avg. 1BR Rent: $800 - $950/month (De Pere can be slightly pricier).

4. Howard / Suamico (North of the River): Growing suburbs with newer housing developments. Offers a more suburban feel with easy highway access (I-43). Good for those who work on the north side or near the airport. Commute: 15-20 minutes. Avg. 1BR Rent: $750 - $900/month.

5. Northside / Maple Grove: More affordable and established neighborhoods. A mix of older homes and rentals. Commute times are still reasonable, and you get more space for your money. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Avg. 1BR Rent: $700 - $850/month.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue in Green Bay. The worst congestion is on I-43 near the I-41 interchange during rush hour, but even that is mild compared to larger cities. Your commute will be more affected by weather (snow) than by volume.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Green Bay is not a "get rich quick" accounting market, but it’s an excellent place to build a stable, well-compensated career.

• Specialty Premiums: CPAs command a significant premium. While a non-CPA mid-level accountant might earn $70,000-$85,000, a CPA with similar experience can expect $85,000-$100,000+. Specialties like cost accounting (manufacturing), healthcare revenue cycle, and internal audit are in high demand and can push you to the top of the pay scale.
• Advancement Paths: The path is clear: Staff → Senior → Manager → Controller/Director → Partner/CFO. The ceiling is typically at the Controller or Director level, as there are very few Fortune 500 HQs here to host a C-suite. Many experienced accountants eventually move into consulting or open their own small firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth indicates a stable, but not explosive, future. The key to growth will be specialization and technology. Accountants who master data analytics, ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle), and non-traditional reporting will have the most opportunities. The rise of remote work may also allow Green Bay-based CPAs to serve clients in larger markets while enjoying the local lifestyle.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Incredible purchasing power (high salary vs. low cost of living).	Limited job market (only 211 jobs); fewer opportunities for rapid job-hopping.
Stable, mature employers with low turnover.	Slower career advancement; fewer C-suite and high-level roles.
Manageable commutes and low traffic stress.	Winters are long and harsh; a major lifestyle consideration.
Tight-knit professional network; easy to get to know everyone.	Limited cultural diversity and entertainment options compared to major metros.
Outdoor recreation (Lake Michigan, hiking, biking) is abundant.	Relies heavily on the health of manufacturing and the Packers.

Final Recommendation:
Green Bay is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance, affordability, and stability over rapid career acceleration and high-stakes competition. It’s ideal for:

• Early- to mid-career professionals who want to save money aggressively and build a solid resume.
• CPAs looking for a manageable practice or a stable industry role.
• Those who love the outdoors and a community feel.

It’s likely not the best fit for:

• Those seeking the fastest path to a $250k+ income.
• Individuals who thrive on the energy of a 24/7 city.
• Those who are deeply averse to cold, snowy winters.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job without a CPA license?
No. There are many staff and senior accountant roles that don’t require a CPA. However, a non-CPA will hit a career ceiling sooner, typically at the senior or low-level manager tier. The CPA is essential for controllers, partners, and high-level financial leadership.

2. How important is the "Packers factor" to the local economy?
Extremely important. The Packers are the city’s largest non-profit and