The Ultimate Career Guide for Financial Analysts in Green Bay, WI

As a career analyst who's watched the Green Bay market evolve over decades, I can tell you this isn't your typical Midwest financial hub. It's a unique ecosystem where the Packers' economic influence meets the quiet stability of a paper mill town. If you're considering a move here as a Financial Analyst, you're not chasing Wall Street salaries—you're trading high-stress finance for a balanced lifestyle where your paycheck goes surprisingly far.

The data speaks for itself: while the national average for Financial Analysts sits at $99,010/year, Green Bay's median salary of $96,663/year is remarkably competitive when you factor in the city's cost of living index of 92.1 (well below the national average of 100). With 211 financial analyst positions in the metro area and a solid 10-year job growth projection of 9%, this market offers stability without the cutthroat competition of larger financial centers.

Let's break down exactly what your career and life would look like in Titletown.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

Green Bay's financial analyst salary structure reflects its hybrid economy—blending traditional manufacturing, healthcare, and a surprising amount of corporate headquarters activity. The $96,663/year median translates to roughly $46.47/hour, putting you in a solid middle-class position that feels upper-middle-class here.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here's how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Green Bay metro:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Basic financial modeling, variance analysis, data gathering
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$80,000 - $105,000	Complex modeling, budgeting, departmental P&L analysis
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $130,000	Strategic planning, M&A support, executive presentations
Expert/Manager (15+ years)	$125,000 - $160,000+	FP&A leadership, CFO partnership, cross-functional strategy

Note that these ranges reflect base salary; bonuses and profit-sharing can add 10-25% at established companies. The $96,663 median sits firmly in the senior analyst range here, suggesting that experienced professionals are well-compensated relative to the local market.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

Green Bay holds a unique position in Wisconsin's financial landscape:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Green Bay	$96,663	92.1	Manufacturing, Healthcare, Sports
Milwaukee	$92,500	95.2	Finance, Insurance, Corporate HQ
Madison	$90,800	98.5	Government, Tech, Healthcare
Appleton	$88,200	91.5	Manufacturing, Paper, Logistics
Eau Claire	$82,400	89.8	Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing

While Milwaukee's salary might appear higher, Green Bay's lower cost of living and $841/month average rent create a better net financial position. Appleton, just 30 miles south, often competes for the same talent pool but offers slightly lower salaries. Madison's higher cost of living erodes its salary advantage for financial analysts, making Green Bay's balance particularly attractive.

Insider Tip: The salary bands here are less rigid than in major metros. I've seen mid-level analysts with niche manufacturing experience command senior-level pay because specialized knowledge is harder to find locally. If you have experience in capital-intensive industries or cost accounting for production environments, you have leverage.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $96,663 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Green Bay? We'll use Wisconsin's 2024 tax structure and the city's $841/month average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

Category	Annual	Monthly	Notes
Gross Salary	$96,663	$8,055
Federal Tax	$16,800	$1,400	Estimated effective rate ~17.4%
WI State Tax	$5,400	$450	4.0% flat rate + local taxes
FICA (7.65%)	$7,395	$616
Health Insurance	$3,600	$300	Employer-sponsored plan
Retirement (6%)	$5,800	$483	401(k) contribution
Net Take-Home	$62,668	$5,222	After taxes & standard deductions
Rent (1BR)	$10,092	$841	Average for metro area
Utilities	$2,400	$200	Heat, electric, internet
Groceries	$4,800	$400	Single person
Transportation	$3,600	$300	Car payment/insurance/gas
Misc/Entertainment	$7,200	$600	Dining, activities, savings
Remaining	$32,576	$2,715	After all expenses

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Brown County hovers around $275,000. With your remaining $2,715/month, you could comfortably afford a mortgage payment of $1,600-$1,800/month (including taxes and insurance), leaving substantial room for savings, maintenance, and lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Many financial analysts here buy homes within 2-3 years of arrival. The key is avoiding the "new construction trap" in outlying areas like De Pere or Howard. Look at established neighborhoods like Astor Park or the historic district near Bay Beach for better value and shorter commutes to downtown employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

Green Bay's financial analyst jobs aren't concentrated on a "Wall Street row"—they're scattered across diverse industries, each with distinct hiring patterns.

1. Ameriprise Financial (Green Bay office)

• What they do: Financial planning, wealth management, insurance products
• Hiring trends: Steady, with seasonal upticks in Q1. They value CFAs and those with Series 7 licenses.
• Local context: Located in the Oneida Street corridor, near the Fox River Mall area. Strong internal promotion culture.
• Insider tip: They often hire financial analysts with client-facing experience. Networking with their existing analysts at the Green Bay Chamber events is crucial.

2. Bellin Health

• What they do: Regional healthcare system
• Hiring trends: Consistent growth; they're expanding outpatient services and need analysts for cost accounting and budgeting.
• Local context: Based near the downtown hospital campus. Budget roles often require understanding of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement models.
• Insider tip: Healthcare financial analysts here earn premiums (5-10% above median). Knowledge of Epic or Cerner systems is a plus.

3. Green Bay Packaging

• What they do: Paperboard packaging, corrugated containers
• Hiring trends: Cyclical but stable. They hire 1-2 analysts annually, often from local colleges.
• Local context: Multiple facilities across the region. Capital expenditure analysis for machinery upgrades is a core function.
• Insider tip: This is where manufacturing experience pays off. Understanding depreciation schedules for heavy equipment and raw material cost analysis are key.

4. Nicolet National Bank

• What they do: Regional banking, commercial lending
• Hiring trends: Growing aggressively. They've acquired several community banks and need analysts for loan portfolio analysis and risk management.
• Local context: Headquartered in Green Bay with branches across Wisconsin. Their growth creates opportunities for analysts to move into commercial banking roles.
• Insider tip: They value local market knowledge. Understanding Green Bay's commercial real estate market (especially retail corridors like Ashwaubenon) is advantageous.

5. Schneider National

• What they do: Truckload transportation and logistics
• Hiring trends: Steady, with occasional spikes when fuel prices fluctuate dramatically.
• Local context: Publicly traded (NYSE: SNDR), so they have robust FP&A teams. Their Green Bay headquarters means all financial analyst roles are corporate-level.
• Insider tip: Transportation analysts here specialize in fuel cost modeling, lease vs. buy analyses for trucks, and route profitability. These skills are transferable to other logistics companies.

6. St. Norbert College (Finance & Investment Office)

• What they do: Endowment management, budgeting for academic departments
• Hiring trends: Infrequent but high-quality openings. They often prefer candidates with CFA or CMA designations.
• Local context: Located in De Pere (technically separate but part of the metro). The college's endowment is substantial for its size.
• Insider tip: These roles are highly competitive but offer excellent work-life balance. Networking through the college's alumni network is essential.

7. Green Bay Area Public School District

• What they do: Budgeting for a large district (18,000+ students)
• Hiring trends: Cyclical, tied to state funding cycles. They hire 1-2 analysts every 2-3 years.
• Local context: Requires understanding of public sector accounting and grant management.
• Insider tip: This is a stable, pension-eligible role. The work is less dynamic but offers predictable hours and strong benefits.

Hiring Trends Summary: Manufacturing and healthcare are your most consistent employers. Banking is growing fastest. The Packers' influence creates a "super-cycle" every 4-6 years when stadium renovations or team investments drive temporary analyst needs in sports finance.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin's licensing requirements for financial analysts are straightforward but have nuances depending on your specialty.

Required Credentials

• General Financial Analyst: No state license required. Most employers prefer a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or economics.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Required for roles involving audits, tax, or public accounting. Wisconsin follows the 150-hour rule (150 college credits to sit for the exam).
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): No state license, but highly valued in investment analysis roles.
• Series Licenses (7, 63, 65): Required if you're providing investment advice or selling securities. These are FINRA licenses, not state-specific.

Costs and Timeline

Credential	Cost	Time to Complete	Required For
CPA Exam	$1,500 - $2,000	12-18 months (studying + exams)	Audit, tax, controller roles
CFA Level I	$1,200 - $1,500	6-9 months	Investment analysis, portfolio management
Series 7 + 63	$800 - $1,200	3-6 months (studying + exam)	Brokerage, investment advising
Wisconsin Business License	$50 - $150	1-2 weeks	If starting your own consulting practice

Insider Tip: Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) oversees licensing for certain financial services, but most corporate financial analysts never interact with them. The real cost isn't money—it's time. Most successful analysts here pursue credentials while working. The 10-year job growth of 9% suggests the market values credential-holders, so budget 5-10% of your salary for continuing education.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're moving from out of state, you can start interviewing immediately. Most employers allow 30-60 days for relocation. If you need Series licenses or a CPA, factor in 3-6 months of study before taking the exams. Wisconsin has reciprocity with most states for CPA licensure.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Green Bay's neighborhoods vary dramatically in character, commute times, and rent. Here's where financial analysts cluster based on lifestyle and proximity to major employers.

1. Downtown/Riverfront

• Vibe: Urban, walkable, historic. Close to restaurants, breweries, and the Fox River Trail.
• Commute: Walking or biking to most downtown offices (Ameriprise, Nicolet Bank, Bellin Health downtown campus).
• Rent: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1-2BR apartment or condo.
• Best for: Younger analysts (20s-30s) who want nightlife and a short commute.
• Insider tip: The Riverfront district has seen redevelopment. Look for older loft-style apartments converted from warehouses—they have character and include utilities.

2. Astor Park

• Vibe: Established, family-friendly, quiet. Tree-lined streets, good schools.
• Commute: 7-12 minutes to downtown employers; 15-20 minutes to manufacturing hubs (Green Bay Packaging, Schneider).
• Rent: $750 - $950/month for a 1-2BR apartment; $1,200 - $1,500/month for a small house.
• Best for: Mid-career analysts seeking balance between urban access and suburban comfort.
• Insider tip: The western edge of Astor Park borders Howard—technically a different municipality with slightly lower property taxes.

3. Bay Beach/Allouez

• Vibe: Lakeside, recreational, quiet. Close to Lake Michigan and Bay Beach Amusement Park.
• Commute: 12-18 minutes to downtown; slightly longer to southern industrial areas.
• Rent: $700 - $900/month for apartments; $1,100 - $1,400/month for rentals.
• Best for: Analysts who prioritize outdoor activities and a slower pace.
• Insider tip: The area has strict zoning—fewer multi-unit buildings, so rental inventory is limited. Act quickly when something becomes available.

4. De Pere (Downtown)

• Vibe: College town (St. Norbert College), vibrant but smaller than Green Bay.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to Green Bay's downtown; 20-25 minutes to manufacturing hubs.
• Rent: $800 - $1,000/month for 1BR; $1,400 - $1,800/month for a house.
• Best for: Analysts who want a smaller city feel with easy access to Green Bay's job market.
• Insider tip: De Pere's downtown is walkable and has great restaurants. Many financial analysts live here and commute north—reverse commuting is easy.

5. Ashwaubenon

• Vibe: Sports-centric, commercial, touristy. Home to Lambeau Field and the stadium district.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers; walking distance to Packers-related finance roles.
• Rent: $850 - $1,100/month for apartments; higher during football season for short-term rentals.
• Best for: Analysts who work for the Packers, sports-related businesses, or want a high-energy environment.
• Insider tip: The "Titletown District" development has created new housing and office space. Rents are higher here, but the area has the best parking and is walkable to everything.

Neighborhood Selection Strategy: If you're interviewing at Schneider or Green Bay Packaging, consider Allouez or Bay Beach—southern routes avoid downtown traffic. For downtown or healthcare jobs, Astor Park offers the best balance. For banking or sports finance, Ashwaubenon or downtown make sense.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Green Bay's financial analyst career path isn't about jumping to the next big firm every two years—it's about deepening expertise and moving into leadership within stable employers.

Specialty Premiums

Certain specializations command higher salaries in Green Bay:

Specialty	Premium Over Median	Why It's Valued
Healthcare Cost Analysis	+8-12%	Bellin, Prevea, and aging population need expertise
Manufacturing FP&A	+5-10%	Capital-intensive industries require precision
Commercial Banking/Lending	+10-15%	Nicolet's growth and local real estate market
Sports/Entertainment Finance	+15-20%	Limited to Packers and related businesses
Public Sector/Government	+0-5%	Stable but lower growth; strong benefits offset

Advancement Paths

1. Traditional Corporate Path: Analyst → Senior Analyst → Finance Manager → Director → VP of Finance/CFO. This is common at Schneider, Ameriprise, and Nicolet. It takes 8-12 years to reach director level.
2. Specialist Path: Deep expertise in one area (e.g., healthcare reimbursement, transportation logistics) becomes a consultant or internal expert. This often leads to higher pay faster but may cap out at senior analyst levels.
3. Entrepreneurial Path: Some analysts transition to consulting for local businesses or start fractional CFO services for small manufacturers. This is growing as the business community ages.
4. Banking/Commercial Path: Move from corporate finance to commercial lending or credit analysis at Nico