Electrician in Green Bay, WI

As a career analyst who’s watched the trades evolve across Wisconsin for years, I can tell you that Green Bay offers a compelling, if sometimes overlooked, path for electricians. The city isn’t a sprawling metropolis, but its industrial backbone, coupled with a steady residential market, creates a resilient job landscape. This guide is built on hard data—like the median salary of $60,091/year and a 10-year job growth of 11%—and the kind of on-the-ground insight you only get from knowing which streets flood during a spring thaw or which employers are quietly hiring. Let’s break down what your career as an electrician looks like in the "Titletown" of Wisconsin.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

The Green Bay metro area, with a population of 105,734, offers a stable market for skilled trades. The median salary for an electrician here is $60,091/year, translating to a robust hourly rate of $28.89/hour. This sits just slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but the lower cost of living more than compensates. The metro supports 317 jobs for electricians, a number that reflects a tight-knit industry where reputation matters.

When you compare Green Bay to other Wisconsin cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Madison and Milwaukee command higher salaries (often $65,000+), the cost of living there is significantly steeper. Green Bay offers a sweet spot for journey-level electricians who value affordability and a less hectic pace.

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level in Green Bay:

Experience Level	Annual Salary (Approx.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$40,000 - $50,000	Commercial/residential wiring, conduit, basic troubleshooting under supervision.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	$60,091 (Median)	Full scope of installations, service calls, code compliance, project management.
Senior / Master	$70,000 - $85,000+	Design, permitting, crew management, complex commercial/industrial systems.
Expert / Specialist	$85,000+	High-voltage, renewable energy, automation, or niche industrial controls.

Insider Tip: Many local contractors, especially those doing commercial work, pay above the median for journeyman electricians who can pull permits. In Green Bay, your license is your biggest leverage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. Green Bay’s cost of living index is 92.1 (US avg = 100), making it about 8% more affordable than the national average. A key factor is housing: the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $841/month.

Based on a median salary of $60,091/year (approximately $4,179/month before taxes), here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single electrician:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay (Pre-Tax)	$4,179	Based on median salary of $60,091/year.
Taxes (Federal & State)	~$960	Includes federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and WI state tax (~23% effective).
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,219	This is your working number.
Rent (1BR Average)	$841	Can range from $750-$950 depending on neighborhood.
Utilities	$150	Heating costs are higher in winter, but internet/electricity are reasonable.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	A car is non-negotiable in Green Bay for commuting to job sites.
Groceries & Food	$400
Health Insurance	$200	(If not fully covered by employer)
Misc. & Savings	$228	Gas, entertainment, retirement savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Green Bay is around $260,000. With a 10% down payment ($26,000), a monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would be roughly $1,600-$1,800. Given the net take-home of ~$3,219, this puts you at a healthy 45-55% of your net income for housing, which is manageable for a dual-income household or a single electrician with careful budgeting. Many local tradespeople opt for homes in neighboring suburbs like De Pere or Allouez, where prices are slightly lower.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

Green Bay’s economy is anchored in paper, food processing, and healthcare, all of which require constant electrical maintenance and new installations. The hiring trend is steady, not explosive; contractors are often looking for reliable journeymen rather than mass-hiring. Here are the major employers to target:

1. Ameren (Power Utility): A primary source for electrical work, from grid maintenance to new service installations. They hire utility electricians directly and often have the most stable, long-term roles. They also contribute to the 11% job growth projection.
2. Schneider National (Trucking & Logistics): Their sprawling local terminals and facilities require industrial electricians for lighting, dock equipment, and fleet charging infrastructure. They are a key employer for commercial electricians.
3. Bellin Health & HSHS St. Vincent Hospital: Healthcare facilities are electrically complex and never close. These hospitals employ in-house electricians for preventive maintenance and code updates across their network of clinics and main campuses.
4. Procter & Gamble (P&G) - Green Bay Plant: One of the largest industrial sites in the city. This plant is a major employer for skilled trades, including industrial electricians for machinery, control systems, and plant maintenance.
5. Local Electrical Contractors (e.g., J.F. Ahern Co., Schmitz & Sons, Green Bay Electrical Services): These are the backbone of the local trade. Ahern, in particular, is a large regional firm with a strong presence in Green Bay. They handle commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Hiring is often based on networking and reputation.
6. Bay Lake RV (Manufacturing): A growing manufacturer in the region, RV production lines require assembly electricians for wiring harnesses and trailer systems.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often unadvertised. Join the NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Local 313 or the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 702. Union contractors handle major projects at Lambeau Field and the Titletown District, offering premium pay and benefits.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin’s licensing system is managed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). It’s a clear, structured path.

• Apprenticeship: The most common route is a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program, typically through a local JATC (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee). You’ll earn while you learn. Cost is minimal, as you’re paid as you work.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you become a licensed journeyman. The state exam fee is $150.
• Master Electrician License: This requires at least 4 years as a journeyman plus passing a more advanced exam. Master electricians can pull permits and run their own business. The exam fee is also $150.

Timeline & Costs:

• To Start: You can begin an apprenticeship immediately after high school or with a GED. No prior experience is required, but a clean driving record and basic math skills are essential.
• Total Time to Journeyman: 4-5 years (apprenticeship + exam).
• Total Estimated Cost (to Journeyman): Mostly covered by your apprenticeship. You’ll pay for your own tools (an initial $500-$1,000 investment) and exam fees.

Insider Tip: The WI DSPS website is your best friend. Keep your continuing education (required for license renewal) up to date, as Green Bay’s code inspectors are thorough and respect electricians who are proactive about code changes.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Green Bay affects your commute and lifestyle. Job sites can be spread from the industrial east side to the residential west side.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent
Downtown	Walkable, urban, near entertainment (Titletown, bars). Commute is easy to most sites, but parking can be tight.	$900 - $1,200
Allouez	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Quick access to the east side industrial parks (P&G, Schneider).	$800 - $950
De Pere	A separate city south of Green Bay, with a strong "college town" feel (St. Norbert College). Excellent schools, stable neighborhoods. Commutes are short (~10-15 min).	$750 - $900
East Side	More industrial, near the Fox River Mall and major employers. More affordable, but less walkable. You’re close to the action.	$700 - $850
Near West Side	Growing, with new developments. Good highway access to I-41, making commutes to Appleton or Milwaukee for work easy.	$750 - $900

Insider Tip: If you’re working for a contractor that does work at Lambeau Field or the Resch Center complex, living on the East Side or Allouez puts you within a 10-minute drive, beating the game-day traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 11% for Green Bay electricians is promising, outpacing many other trade careers. This growth is driven by three factors: the retirement of older electricians, the push for energy efficiency (LED retrofits, smart building systems), and the expansion of broadband and EV infrastructure.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial Controls & Automation: Can add $10,000-$15,000+ to your base salary. P&G and manufacturing clients need this expertise.
• Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: A niche with consistent demand in healthcare and commercial buildings. Certification adds value.
• Renewable Energy (Solar/Geothermal): Growing slowly in residential and some commercial projects. Not a huge market in Green Bay yet, but a valuable skill set.
• Data Cabling & Network Infrastructure: Essential for new construction and hospital upgrades.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Move from a job site to an estimator or project manager role with a contractor. This requires strong communication and computer skills.
2. Start Your Own Business: As a Master Electrician, you can launch a small service-based company. The residential market for service calls (troubleshooting, panel upgrades) is steady.
3. Specialist Consultant: Focus on a high-demand niche like EV charging station installation for the growing number of dealerships and public charging points.

10-Year Outlook: Stability is key. While Green Bay won’t see the explosive growth of a tech hub, the demand for skilled, licensed electricians will remain strong. Your value will increase with experience and specialization, especially in industrial or commercial sectors.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $60,091 salary goes much further here.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a must.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by established industries, not boom-bust cycles.	Winters are Harsh: Snow, ice, and sub-zero temps impact outdoor work and commuting.
Strong Union Presence: IBEW/NECA offer great pay, benefits, and pension.	Smaller Metro: Fewer large-scale construction projects vs. Milwaukee.
Community Feel: You’ll build a reputation quickly in a tight-knit trade network.	Cultural & Dining Scene is more limited than in larger cities.
Outdoor Recreation: Proximity to Lake Michigan, hunting, and fishing.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It’s ideal for mid-career journeymen looking to buy a home and raise a family. If you’re a young electrician seeking the highest possible salary and the most diverse project types, you might start here and consider Madison or Milwaukee in 5-10 years. For most, however, the combination of a median wage of $60,091 and a cost of living at 92.1 makes Green Bay a financially astute and personally rewarding career move.

FAQs

1. How do I find an apprenticeship in Green Bay?
Contact the NECA/IBEW JATC Local 702 (serving the Green Bay area) or the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. They list approved apprenticeship programs. You can also approach local contractors like J.F. Ahern directly.

2. Is union or non-union better in Green Bay?
Union contractors (IBEW/NECA) handle large commercial/industrial projects and typically offer higher pay, pension, and benefits. Non-union shops may offer more flexibility and varied residential work. The market isn’t overly polarized; many electricians work on both sides.

3. What’s the winter work like?
A significant portion of winter work is indoors (service calls, commercial remodels, indoor plant maintenance). For outdoor work, you’ll need a winter-rated vehicle and the right gear. Snow is a fact of life, but major contractors don’t shut down.

4. Do I need a car?
Yes. Public bus routes exist but are limited for industrial areas and job sites. A reliable vehicle is essential for commuting and carrying tools.

5. How’s the healthcare for electricians?
If you join a union contractor or a larger company like Ameren, you’ll likely get a great benefits package, including health insurance. For smaller non-union shops, you may need to budget more for your own insurance. Always ask about benefits during an interview.

6. Are there opportunities for side work?
Yes, but be cautious. Wisconsin law requires a license for most electrical work. If you’re a journeyman, you can perform work under a Master Electrician’s permit. Always have a clear, written agreement and ensure the work is permitted and inspected. The residential service market is ripe for legitimate side work if done legally.