Financial Analyst in Janesville, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Janesville Stands

As a local who’s watched the Janesville economy shift from manufacturing to a more diversified base, I can tell you that financial analyst salaries here are solid, not spectacular. You’re trading the high cost of coastal cities for a comfortable, stable lifestyle. The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Janesville is $96,455/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.37/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010/year, but the difference is more than made up for by the low cost of living.

The local job market is tight but specialized. There are only 132 financial analyst positions in the metro area. This isn’t a place for job-hopping every 18 months; stability is key. The 10-year job growth is projected at 9%, which is steady but not explosive. It reflects Janesville’s mature economy, anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and advanced manufacturing.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local market data from BLS and regional job postings.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Rock County Credit Union, Blackhawk Technical College
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	Mercyhealth, SSI, generac
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$105,000 - $130,000	Parker Hannifin, GDP Group, Janesville School District
Expert/Manager (15+ yrs)	$130,000+	CFO roles, Division Directors at major employers

When you compare Janesville to other Wisconsin cities, the picture gets clearer. Madison, the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin, boasts higher salaries but a much higher cost of living. Milwaukee offers more corporate HQ roles but comes with urban crime and traffic. Janesville is the “Goldilocks” city for financial analysts who value a 15-minute commute and a backyard.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Janesville	$96,455	91.4	132
Madison, WI	$102,300	102.1	1,200+
Milwaukee, WI	$98,700	95.8	800+
Green Bay, WI	$92,500	89.5	95

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many Janesville employers, especially in manufacturing, offer strong annual bonuses (5-15% of base) and profit-sharing. This can push your total compensation significantly higher than the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $96,455 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Janesville? Let’s break it down with real numbers. The key reason Janesville works for middle-income professionals is the rock-bottom rent.

Estimated Monthly Budget for a Single Financial Analyst:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,038
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$2,200 (this varies, but it's a safe estimate for WI)
• Take-Home Pay: ~$5,838
• Rent (1BR Average): $841
• Utilities (Elec, Heat, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in WI): $450
• Fuel: $150
• Health Insurance (Employee Share): $200
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $600
• Savings/Investment: $2,000+

The numbers are straightforward: your largest expense, rent, is less than 15% of your take-home pay. This is a financial analyst’s dream scenario. In cities like Chicago or Minneapolis, that same rent percentage would be 35-45%, drastically limiting your ability to save.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Janesville’s median home price is approximately $225,000. With a 20% down payment ($45,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be around $1,200 per month, including taxes and insurance. That’s only $359 more than the average rent. For a financial analyst earning the median, a home purchase is not just feasible; it’s a smart financial move. The low property taxes in Rock County (compared to Dane or Milwaukee Counties) further sweeten the deal.

Where the Jobs Are: Janesville's Major Employers

The job market for financial analysts in Janesville is not about tech startups; it’s about established, stable companies. The roles are often embedded within finance, accounting, or operations departments. Here are the key players:

1. Mercyhealth: As one of the region’s largest healthcare providers, Mercyhealth has a massive, complex financial structure. They hire analysts for revenue cycle management, budgeting, and grant compliance. Hiring is steady, driven by the aging population and regulatory changes. Their headquarters is a major hub on the city’s north side.

2. Parker Hannifin: This global motion and control technologies company has a significant footprint in Janesville. Their local division focuses on aerospace and industrial systems, requiring analysts with strong cost accounting and forecasting skills. They value engineers who can pivot to finance—a common path for local talent from UW-Whitewater or Blackhawk Technical College.

3. Generac Power Systems: The world’s largest manufacturer of home backup generators, Generac has a major campus just west of Janesville. Their growth is explosive, creating demand for financial analysts in FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis), supply chain finance, and capital expenditure planning.

4. Rock County Government: The county seat is a stable employer. Roles here involve budget preparation for all county departments, grant management, and financial oversight for public works. The pace is methodical, and the benefits are excellent.

5. SSI (Strategic Systems, Inc.): A local defense contractor that works with the U.S. Department of Defense. They require analysts with security clearances (or who can obtain them) for contract cost analysis and financial reporting. This is a niche but well-paying segment.

6. Culver’s Franchising System, Inc.: While the restaurant is based in Prairie du Sac, their corporate office (just north of Janesville) is a major employer. They need analysts for franchise financial performance, royalty collections, and real estate valuation.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable shift toward hiring analysts with data visualization skills (Power BI, Tableau). Companies like Generac and Parker Hannifin are modernizing their reporting, and they’re looking for candidates who can move beyond Excel. If you have those skills, you’re ahead of the curve.

Getting Licensed in WI

For most corporate financial analyst roles in Janesville, you do not need a state-specific license. A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. However, professional certifications are highly valued and often lead to salary premiums.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): administered by the CFA Institute, not the state of Wisconsin. This is the gold standard for investment analysis. The exam costs are significant (over $3,000 for all three levels, plus study materials). The commitment is 300+ hours of study per level. In Janesville, a CFA charter is most relevant for roles at credit unions or investment arms of larger companies.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): This is regulated by the Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board. If you want to move into corporate accounting, financial reporting, or auditing, a CPA is a major asset. Requirements include 150 college credit hours (a standard 5-year accounting degree meets this), passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of work experience under a licensed CPA. Total costs (exam fees, study courses) can run $4,000 - $6,000.
• Timeline: For a recent graduate, getting a CPA can take 12-18 months post-graduation to complete the exams and secure the required experience. For a career-changer, it’s a longer path. The CFA is a longer, more arduous journey, typically taking 3-4 years.

Insider Tip: In Janesville, a CPA often carries more weight than a CFA for most corporate roles. The local economy is based on manufacturing and healthcare financials, where accounting principles and tax knowledge are more directly applicable than investment theory.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Janesville is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and commute. As a financial professional, you’ll likely work in the central business district (downtown), the north side (near Mercyhealth and Parker), or the west side (near Generac). Traffic is minimal, so your neighborhood choice is more about lifestyle than commute time.

1. North Side (Near Mercyhealth): This is the most convenient location for healthcare and biotech roles. It’s a mix of older, established homes and newer subdivisions. You can find a modern 1BR apartment for about $900/month or a 3BR house for $1,500. The commute to downtown is 10 minutes. It’s quiet, family-oriented, and close to the Rock River.

2. Downtown (Historic District): If you want walkability, this is it. You’re steps away from cafes, the Janesville Farmers Market, and the Parker Art Center. It’s a mix of young professionals and retirees. Rent for a loft or apartment is higher, around $1,100 - $1,300/month. The commute to most employers is under 5 minutes. Parking is easy and free.

3. West Side (Near Generac): This area is more suburban and commercial, with newer apartment complexes and big-box stores. Rent is very reasonable, averaging $800/month for a 1BR. It’s a straight shot to Generac, and the commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. Ideal for those who want modern amenities and easy access to highways.

4. East Side (Near Rock River & Humes Park): This neighborhood offers great value and a classic Midwestern feel. It’s a 5-10 minute drive to the downtown core. You’ll find charming older homes and duplexes. A 1BR apartment can be found for as low as $750/month. It’s a bit quieter but still has a strong community feel.

5. Janesville Township/Suburbs: For those seeking more space, the unincorporated areas around Janesville offer larger lots and newer homes. Commutes are longer (20-30 minutes), but you get more for your money. A 1BR isn’t common here; you’d be looking at renting a house or a large condo. This is more for analysts with families.

Personal Insight: For a single professional, I’d recommend starting downtown for the first year. It’s the best way to network and get a feel for the city. If you’re settling down, the North Side offers the best balance of amenities and value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Janesville doesn’t mean stagnating, but your growth path will be different than in a major metro. Advancement is often tied to deepening expertise within a specific industry or moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. An analyst with deep experience in cost accounting for manufacturing (Parker, Generac) can command a 15-20% premium. Similarly, revenue cycle analytics for healthcare (Mercyhealth) is a high-demand, high-impact field. Data analytics skills can add a 10-15% premium in any sector.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance/Controller. In Janesville, the Controller role at a mid-sized company is a peak position, often paying $150,000+. Many analysts eventually pivot to Business Unit leadership, using their financial acumen to run a division.
• 10-Year Outlook (9% Growth): This 9% growth is significant. It means that while the number of jobs isn’t exploding, the demand for skilled, experienced analysts is growing faster than the general job market. The key is to stay adaptable. The rise of remote work has also opened doors; a Janesville-based analyst can now work for a Madison or Chicago firm while enjoying the lower cost of living. This hybrid trend is the biggest growth opportunity.

Insider Tip: The most successful financial analysts in Janesville are those who get involved with the local business community. Join the Janesville Chamber of Commerce or the Rock County Financial Professionals group. It’s a small world, and your next job will likely come through a personal connection, not a job board.

The Verdict: Is Janesville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: You can save 20-25% of your income easily.	Limited Job Market: Only 132 jobs; you can’t be picky.
Short Commutes: Average is <15 minutes. No traffic stress.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events and conferences.
Stable Employers: Major companies with long histories.	Limited Specialization: Less variety in roles (e.g., no VC/PE).
Strong Community: Easy to build a network.	Cultural Scene: Smaller than Madison/Milwaukee.
Outdoor Access: Miles of trails, Rock River, close to lakes.	Weather: Cold, snowy winters.

Final Recommendation: Janesville is an excellent choice for a financial analyst who values stability, work-life balance, and financial freedom over the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of a major financial hub. It’s ideal for someone early in their career who wants to save aggressively, or for a mid-career professional looking to buy a home and raise a family without sacrificing a professional salary.

If you’re a thrill-seeker who needs constant new challenges and a vibrant social scene, you may find Janesville limiting. But if you want a city where your salary goes far, your commute is short, and you can see the stars at night, Janesville is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Janesville?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited, and many employers are spread out. While downtown is walkable, your job and grocery store are likely a drive away. Budget for a reliable vehicle and winter tires.

2. How competitive is the job market?
With only 132 jobs, it’s a niche market. Hiring can be slow. The best strategy is to apply directly on company websites (Parker, Generac, Mercyhealth) and use LinkedIn to connect with local finance managers. Tailor your resume to the specific industry (manufacturing vs. healthcare).

3. What’s the dating/social scene like for young professionals?
It’s modest but growing. Downtown has a handful of good bars and restaurants. Many young professionals are connected through work or UW-Whitewater alumni networks. For a broader scene, Madison is a 45-minute drive. It’s a common weekend trip.

4. Can I work remotely for a company in another city?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many analysts in Janesville work for Madison or Chicago firms while living here. This allows you to capture a higher salary while enjoying the low cost of living. Ensure your internet is reliable (look for fiber optic providers like TDS in Janesville).

5. What’s the best way to prepare for an interview in Janesville?
Research the specific company’s role in the local economy. For example, if interviewing at Parker Hannifin, understand their aerospace division. For Mercyhealth, be familiar with value-based care. Show that you understand the local context—this demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from out-of-state candidates.