Firefighter in Green Bay, WI

Here is a complete career guide for Firefighters considering a move to Green Bay, WI.

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The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As a firefighter in Green Bay, you're looking at a market where the cost of living is your biggest ally, but the salary is slightly below the national average. The median salary here is $55,766/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.81/hour. For context, the national average for firefighters is $57,120/year, so you’re just a hair under the U.S. benchmark.

That said, the real story is in the value of your paycheck. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here than in most places. The metro area supports 211 firefighter jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 4%. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a stable, predictable market—exactly what many firefighters look for.

Below is a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Green Bay area. Keep in mind these are general estimates based on the median; specific departments like Green Bay Metro or De Pere may have slightly different scales.

Experience Level	Approximate Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-4 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	Fire suppression, EMS basics, station duties, equipment maintenance.
Mid-Level (5-9 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	Driver/Operator, acting officer on shifts, specialized training (tech rescue).
Senior (10-15 years)	$65,000 - $75,000	Company Officer, station training officer, union leadership roles.
Expert (16+ years)	$75,000+	Battalion Chief or Deputy Chief tracks, EMS/operations division leadership.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jumps in Green Bay come from overtime, specialty certifications, and moving into officer roles. The base pay might seem modest, but with regular overtime from events like the NFL Draft or summer festivals, top earners can push their total compensation significantly higher.

How does Green Bay compare to other Wisconsin cities?
Milwaukee and Madison have higher salaries (closer to the national average or above), but their cost of living, especially rent, is substantially higher. Appleton is a closer competitor with similar pay but a slightly higher cost of living. Green Bay offers the best balance of salary-to-rent in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $55,766, your monthly take-home pay after federal, state (Wisconsin), and FICA taxes will be roughly $3,400 - $3,600, depending on your withholdings and deductions.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Green Bay is $841/month. This is a game-changer for a firefighter's budget.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single firefighter earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,500	After taxes & deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$841	City average. Can be $700-$1,000 depending on neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Winter heating bills can spike.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance	$200	Typically a good plan through the city/union.
Student Loans/Other Debts	$250	Varies widely.
Savings & Discretionary	$1,309	13% for retirement + disposable income.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Green Bay is around $230,000. With a strong credit score and a down payment of 10-20%, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,400 - $1,600. This is less than 40% of the take-home pay for a median-earning firefighter, which is very manageable. Many local departments also offer excellent pension plans that reduce the pressure to save aggressively in a 401(k).

Insider Tip: The "firefighter discount" is real here. Many local banks and credit unions (like Nicolet National Bank or Capital Credit Union) offer preferred mortgage rates for public safety employees. It pays to ask.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The Green Bay metro area is dominated by municipal fire departments. Private industrial fire brigades are rare. Here are the primary employers:

1. Green Bay Metro Fire Department: The largest department, covering the city of Green Bay and surrounding areas like Allouez, Ashwaubenon, and parts of Bellevue. They run a robust academy and have over 200 personnel. They are the primary hiring source for the area.
2. De Pere Fire Department: Serves the city of De Pere and parts of Lawrence. Known for strong community engagement and a modern fleet. They often hire in smaller cohorts.
3. Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department: A unique model where fire and police are combined. They serve the village of Ashwaubenon, which includes Lambeau Field and the surrounding commercial district. High call volume, especially during Packers games.
4. Bellevue Fire Department: Covers the village of Bellevue, a rapidly growing suburb northeast of Green Bay. This is a growth area for new hires.
5. Outagamie County Sheriff's Office / Appleton Area Fire Departments: While not in Green Bay proper, the Fox Valley (Appleton, Neenah, Menasha) is within a 30-minute commute and has multiple departments. Appleton is a larger city with a similar cost of living and slightly higher pay.
6. Brown County Sheriff's Office: While primarily law enforcement, they have a specialized Fire/EMS division for unincorporated areas and assist in major incidents.
7. Prevea Health / Bellin Health: These are healthcare systems, not fire departments, but they are massive employers in the region and often partner with fire departments for community paramedicine programs—a growing career path for firefighters with EMT/Paramedic licenses.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is cyclical, often tied to retirements. With the 10-year job growth at 4%, expect a steady but competitive market. Most departments hire through a civil service process (written exam, CPAT, oral board). The trend is toward requiring paramedic certification for most new hires, which can give you a significant edge.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state-level firefighter certification like some states. Instead, certification is handled by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and is typically required by individual employers.

• Process: You must complete a Firefighter I & II program at an accredited technical college. The closest is Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) in Green Bay.
• Cost: The full Firefighter I & II program can cost $3,000 - $5,000 for tuition and fees, not including books and gear. Many departments will sponsor you for this once hired, but it's a huge advantage to come certified.
• Timeline: A full-time program can take 6-9 months. Part-time/night programs can take over a year.
• EMT/Paramedic: This is critical. You must be a Wisconsin-licensed EMT to even apply. The EMT-Basic course is about 1 semester. Paramedic is a 1-2 year program and costs $8,000-$15,000. Again, many departments will pay for this after hiring, but having it beforehand makes you a top candidate.
• CPAT: The Candidate Physical Ability Test is mandatory. It's a standardized obstacle course. Train for it. Local gyms and even departments sometimes offer prep sessions.

Insider Tip: NWTC is your hub. Take a look at their "Fire Science" program offerings. If you're new to the area, start with EMT at NWTC to get your foot in the door. Networking here is key—instructors often have direct connections to local departments.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live depends on your shift schedule, family needs, and lifestyle. Here are 4-5 top choices:

1. Allouez: A quiet, established suburb just south of Green Bay, bordering the Fox River. It's very close to Green Bay Metro's Station 1 and other central stations. Great for a quick commute. Most firefighters here live in single-family homes. Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,000 - $1,300.
2. De Pere (Downtown/West Side): A charming, walkable area with a strong community feel. It's about a 15-minute drive to downtown Green Bay. De Pere's department is here, and it's a short commute to Green Bay Metro. Great for younger, social firefighters. Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,100.
3. Ashwaubenon (South of Lombardi): This area is next to the stadium and has a mix of apartments and homes. It's convenient for both Ashwaubenon Public Safety and Green Bay Metro. The nightlife and restaurants in the Titletown District are a perk. Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,200.
4. Bellevue (East Side): More suburban and family-oriented. Growing rapidly with new construction. It's a longer commute to central Green Bay (20-25 mins) but offers more house for your money. Bellevue Fire is a local employer. Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $1,000.
5. Howard (North Side): A quiet, affordable village north of the city. It's a straight shot down I-43 to downtown. Less nightlife, but peaceful and budget-friendly. Good for those who prioritize quiet after a busy shift. Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $900.

Insider Tip: If you work for Green Bay Metro, living near the Bay or the river can be nice, but it's more expensive. The sweet spot for value and commute is often Allouez or West De Pere.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Green Bay is structured and pension-driven. The long game is about three things: time on the job, specialty premiums, and moving into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Departments offer stipends for advanced skills. In Green Bay, the biggest ones are:
  • Paramedic: Often an $8,000 - $12,000 annual premium.
  • Technical Rescue (Collapse, Confined Space): $1,500 - $3,000 premium.
  • Hazmat Technician: $2,000 - $4,000 premium.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Firefighter → Driver/Operator → Company Officer (Lieutenant) → Battalion Chief. Each step requires more training and civil service exams. The process is transparent but competitive.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% growth rate, new positions will open. The biggest factor is retirements. The Green Bay area has a relatively young workforce, but as older generations retire, opportunities will open. The trend is toward more integrated EMS and community health roles, so paramedic and public education skills will be increasingly valuable.

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the premium. Get your paramedic card early. It makes you promotable, gives you a raise, and makes you invaluable on the medical side, which is 70-80% of your calls in Green Bay.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely affordable cost of living (Rent is $841 on average).	Salaries are slightly below national average ($55,766 vs. $57,120).
Stable job market with moderate growth (4%).	Winters are long, cold, and snowy (can mean more structure fires and icy road calls).
Strong sense of community and pride in the fire service.	Limited nightlife/amenities compared to a larger city like Milwaukee.
Excellent pension system and union protections.	Hiring is competitive, and paramedic certification is becoming a de facto requirement.
Access to outdoor recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking) in all directions.	The "Packers effect" means major events can mean mandatory overtime.

Final Recommendation:
Green Bay is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values stability, community, and financial freedom. If you can handle the winters and want to buy a house and start a family on a firefighter's salary without being house-poor, this is one of the best cities in the U.S. to do it. It's not for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-energy major metropolis, but for a professional who wants a rewarding career with a high quality of life, Green Bay is a solid, data-driven bet.

FAQs

Q: I'm not from Wisconsin. Will I get hired without local connections?
A: Absolutely. The process is civil service-based, which levels the playing field. Your qualifications, exam scores, and interview performance are what matter. Be prepared to explain why you want to move to Green Bay specifically.

Q: Is the weather a deal-breaker for firefighting?
A: It's a factor, but not a deal-breaker. You'll need to master winter driving and wearing heavy turnout gear in the cold. The departments are fully equipped for it. The upside? Frozen pipes mean more work in winter, which can mean more overtime pay.

Q: How long does it take to get hired after starting the process?
A: From taking the exam to getting on a truck, it can take 6-18 months. The process involves written exams, physical tests, background checks, and oral boards. Patience is key.

Q: What's the overtime situation like?
A: It's available. Regular overtime covers vacant shifts. Big events like NFL Drafts, concerts, and the summer festival season bring in mandatory overtime. Some firefighters can earn an extra $10,000 - $20,000 per year with OT.

Q: Do I need to own a truck?
A: You need a reliable vehicle that can handle snow. An all-wheel-drive SUV or a truck with good tires is common. A small car with front-wheel drive can work if you have good tires and drive carefully, but it's not ideal.