Financial Analyst Career Guide: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

The Salary Picture: Where Oshkosh Stands

As a local who's watched the Fox Valley's economy for years, I can tell you that Oshkosh offers a compelling value proposition for Financial Analysts. The median salary of $96,247/year sits comfortably above the national average of $99,010/year for Financial Analysts, but when you factor in Oshkosh's cost of living—90.7% of the national average—you're effectively earning more purchasing power than you would in many larger metros.

Here's how salaries break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Characteristics in Oshkosh
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $82,000	Often start at Oshkosh Corporation or regional credit unions; heavy emphasis on Excel modeling and basic financial reporting
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $105,000	Most common range; leads teams of 2-4 analysts; specialized in manufacturing or healthcare finance
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$105,000 - $135,000	Manages departments; typically at Oshkosh Corp or major financial institutions; often oversees capital projects
Expert/Leader (15+ years)	$135,000 - $165,000+	VP Finance, Controller, or Director roles; some with equity compensation at local manufacturers

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Oshkosh offers a unique middle ground. Milwaukee analysts might earn $105,000-$115,000 for similar roles, but face significantly higher housing costs. Madison's state government and university system pay similarly to Oshkosh, but competition is fiercer. Green Bay's smaller market means fewer opportunities, though the Packers organization does hire financial analysts at competitive rates. Oshkosh's sweet spot is that $96,247 median—it's robust enough to live well, yet not so high that it attracts the intense competition seen in Milwaukee or Chicago suburbs.

Insider Tip: Many Oshkosh analysts supplement their income with part-time consulting for smaller manufacturers in the Fox Valley. The regional business community is tight-knit, and word-of-mouth opportunities abound.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical about what $96,247/year actually means in Oshkosh. After federal taxes, Wisconsin state taxes (4.75% flat rate), and FICA, your take-home pay lands around $72,485/year or about $6,040/month.

Here's a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single financial analyst:

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	% of Take-Home	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$779	13%	Citywide average; higher in some neighborhoods
Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet)	$240	4%	Varies seasonally; winter heating can spike
Groceries & Household	$500	8%	Oshkosh has reasonable grocery costs
Transportation	$350	6%	Car insurance is lower than national average
Healthcare (insurance + out-of-pocket)	$420	7%	Employer plans vary significantly
Retirement Savings (401k match)	$800	13%	8% of gross is standard for analysts
Discretionary/Entertainment	$800	13%	Dining, hobbies, travel
Total	$3,889	64%	Leaves $2,151 buffer

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,151 in monthly surplus, a financial analyst could save $2,000/month for a down payment. In Oshkosh's current market, median home prices hover around $220,000. With a 20% down payment ($44,000), that's just over two years of aggressive saving. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely run $1,200-$1,400—still well within the 28% rule of thumb for housing affordability.

Local Insight: Many analysts buy in the Northside or Westside neighborhoods where homes sell for $180,000-$250,000. The property tax rate in Winnebago County is approximately 1.8%, so factor that into your monthly payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Oshkosh's Major Employers

Oshkosh's economy is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Financial Analysts have diverse opportunities across these sectors:

1. Oshkosh Corporation (Oshkosh, WI HQ) - The city's largest employer with over 15,000 employees globally. They hire financial analysts for corporate finance, treasury, and divisional FP&A roles. Their recent acquisition of Pratt Miller has created new analyst positions focused on integration and synergy tracking. Starting salaries often exceed the local median.

2. Aurora Medical Center - Oshkosh - Part of Advocate Aurora Health, this is the largest hospital in the region. Financial analysts here work on budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and cost accounting. The healthcare sector is stable and growing, with increasing demand for analysts who understand Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement models.

3. Oshkosh Area School District - Public education is a major employer. Analysts handle budgeting, grant management, and financial planning. The work-life balance is excellent (summers off, though you'll work year-round), and benefits are comprehensive. Salaries start around $70,000 but include pension benefits.

4. Winnebago Industries - Based in Forest, IL but with a significant presence in Oshkosh, this RV manufacturer hires analysts for cost accounting and financial planning. The RV industry is cyclical, but Winnebago has performed well post-pandemic. They offer profit-sharing bonuses that can add 10-15% to base pay.

5. Northwestern Mutual (Oshkosh Office) - The financial services giant has a regional office here. Analysts work with financial advisors on client portfolios, insurance product analysis, and market research. This is a great entry point for those interested in wealth management.

6. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh - The university employs analysts for budgeting, endowment management, and research grant administration. Academic schedules offer flexibility, and working on campus provides access to professional development resources.

7. Local Credit Unions - Oshkosh Credit Union and Fox Communities Credit Union both hire financial analysts for lending analysis, member services, and investment portfolio management. Credit unions are community-focused and often promote from within.

Hiring Trends: Oshkosh Corporation has been expanding its finance teams to support its electric vehicle initiatives. Healthcare analysts are in high demand as hospitals navigate value-based care models. The school district is hiring more analysts to manage federal pandemic relief funds. Remote work has increased opportunities—some analysts work for Milwaukee or Chicago firms while living in Oshkosh.

Getting Licensed in WI

For Financial Analysts, the most relevant license is the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) if you're working with investments, but many analyst positions don't require it. The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is highly valued but not state-mandated.

Wisconsin-Specific Requirements:

• No state-specific licensing for corporate financial analysts
• If working with securities, you'll need FINRA licensing
• Cost: Series 7 exam fee is $80, but you'll need a sponsoring firm. CFA program costs approximately $1,200-$1,500 per level
• Timeline: Series 7 can be prepared for in 2-3 months. CFA takes 3-4 years minimum (three levels)

Insider Tip: Many Oshkosh employers will sponsor your licensing. Oshkosh Corporation and Northwestern Mutual have structured programs that cover exam fees and provide study time. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh offers continuing education courses for financial certifications.

Wisconsin's Department of Financial Institutions regulates banking and securities. For most analyst roles, you're not dealing with consumer-facing financial products, so licensing isn't mandatory. However, if you're considering a move into wealth management or investment banking later, getting your Series 7 or CFA will open doors.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Oshkosh's neighborhoods offer varied lifestyles and commute times. Here are the top picks for financial analysts:

Neighborhood	Average 1BR Rent	Commute to Oshkosh Corp/Financial District	Vibe & Amenities
Northside	$680-$750	5-10 minutes	Older, established residential area with parks (Menominee Park), walkable to downtown. Great for buyers seeking character homes.
Westside	$700-$800	10-15 minutes	More suburban feel, newer constructions, excellent schools. Popular with young professionals and families.
Downtown	$900-$1,200	Walking distance	Urban, walkable, growing restaurant scene. Close to UW-Oshkosh and waterfront. Higher rent but saves on transportation.
Southside	$720-$820	10-15 minutes	Affordable, diverse community, quick access to highways. Growing area with new developments.
Eastside	$750-$850	15-20 minutes	Mix of residential and commercial, close to Aurora Medical Center. Quieter, suburban feel.

Personal Insight: The Northside offers the best balance of affordability and charm. You can walk to downtown restaurants, rent is below average, and the neighborhood is filled with young professionals. The Westside is ideal if you value space and modern amenities—many newer apartment complexes have gyms and pools.

For commuting, most analysts drive. Public transit exists but is limited. Oshkosh is very bikeable in warmer months, and many analysts bike to work from neighborhoods within 2 miles of downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Oshkosh's career growth for financial analysts is steady but requires strategy. Here's what you need to know:

Specialty Premiums:

• Cost Accounting: In high demand at manufacturers; can add 10-15% to salary
• Healthcare Finance: Growing field; requires understanding of reimbursement models
• FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis): Most common path; leads to Controller roles
• Treasury: Specialized; often at Oshkosh Corporation or larger banks

Advancement Paths:

1. Entry Analyst → Senior Analyst (3-5 years): Master Excel, understand industry-specific metrics, take on larger projects
2. Senior Analyst → Manager (5-8 years): Develop people skills, lead cross-functional teams
3. Manager → Director (8-12 years): Strategic thinking, business partnering
4. Director → VP/Controller (12+ years): Executive presence, M&A experience

10-Year Outlook: Oshkosh's manufacturing and healthcare sectors will continue to drive demand. The trend toward electric vehicles at Oshkosh Corporation creates new analyst roles in cost modeling and supply chain finance. Healthcare's shift to value-based care requires sophisticated financial modeling. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is expanding its business school, creating more local talent and potential competition.

Insider Tip: The most successful analysts in Oshkosh build relationships across industries. Join the Fox Valley Financial Executives Group—meetings are held monthly at the Oshkosh Public Library. Many jobs here are filled through networking, not job postings.

The Verdict: Is Oshkosh Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable cost of living: Your $96,247 goes further here than in most metros	Limited high-end positions: Ceiling is lower than in Milwaukee/Chicago
Strong manufacturing base: Stable employers like Oshkosh Corporation	Weather: Harsh winters with snow from November-March
Outdoor recreation: Inland lakes, hiking trails, and the Fox River	Smaller network: Fewer industry events than larger cities
Good work-life balance: Reasonable hours, less "always on" culture	Limited nightlife: Quieter than college towns like Madison
Growing healthcare sector: Aurora Medical Center expanding	Car dependency: Public transit is limited

Final Recommendation: Oshkosh is an excellent choice for financial analysts who value quality of life over maximum earning potential. It's particularly attractive for:

• Early-career analysts wanting to save aggressively while building experience
• Mid-career professionals seeking a better cost-of-living adjustment
• Analysts in manufacturing or healthcare who want industry specialization
• Those who prioritize outdoor recreation and community over urban amenities

The city won't match the prestige of working at a Fortune 500 HQ in a major coastal city, but it offers a sustainable, rewarding career path with genuine work-life balance. If you're willing to be strategic about networking and specialization, Oshkosh can be a launchpad to senior roles within the region.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for financial analysts in Oshkosh?
A: Moderately competitive. There are typically 132 financial analyst positions in the metro area at any given time. The key is targeting the right industries—manufacturing and healthcare have the most openings. Many jobs never get posted publicly; they're filled through referrals.

Q: Do I need a car to be a financial analyst in Oshkosh?
A: Yes, absolutely. Public transportation exists but doesn't connect all employment centers efficiently. Most analysts drive 10-20 minutes to work. Oshkosh is very car-friendly with ample parking and reasonable traffic.

Q: What's the typical career progression timeline in Oshkosh?
A: With the 9% 10-year job growth, advancement is steady but not explosive. Expect 3-5 years to senior analyst, 5-8 to manager, and 8-12 to director level. The path is clearer at large employers like Oshkosh Corporation than at smaller firms.

Q: How does remote work factor into Oshkosh's financial analyst market?
A: Oshkosh has embraced hybrid models, especially post-pandemic. Many analysts work 2-3 days from home. Some even work remotely for Milwaukee or Chicago firms while living in Oshkosh. This flexibility enhances the city's appeal.

Q: Is the CFA designation valuable in Oshkosh?
A: Yes, particularly if you want to work at Oshkosh Corporation's corporate finance department or in wealth management at Northwestern Mutual. It's not required for most roles but can give you an edge in promotions and salary negotiations, potentially adding $10,000-$15,000 to your compensation.