Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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Green Bay, WI: A Career Guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

If you're an LPN looking for a place where your skills are in demand, your paycheck stretches further, and you can find a genuine sense of community, it's time to look closely at Green Bay. As a local who has watched this city's healthcare sector evolve, I can tell you it's a practical choice. It's not the frantic pace of Chicago or the high costs of Minneapolis; it's a stable, affordable market with a deep need for skilled nursing care.

This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local employers, and the lifestyle you can expect. Let's get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The financial reality for an LPN in Green Bay is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. While the national average for LPNs is $54,620/year, Green Bay's median salary of $53,325/year is highly competitive for the region and context. The key is the hourly rate, which sits at $25.64/hour. This is a strong base wage for a city where your living costs are significantly below the national average.

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

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary Range (Green Bay)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $51,000	Often starts in skilled nursing facilities or home health. May require night/weekend shifts.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $57,000	Stable roles in hospitals (Aurora, Bellin) or clinics. Specialties (geriatrics, pediatrics) can push you higher.
Senior (8-15 years)	$56,000 - $62,000	Often includes charge nurse responsibilities, mentorship roles, or niche clinic positions.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$60,000 - $68,000+	Typically in leadership (supervisory roles in LTC), education, or specialized outpatient services.

Note: These ranges are based on regional job postings and BLS data for the Northeast Wisconsin metro area. The median salary of $53,325 sits squarely in the mid-level range, which is where most experienced LPNs will land.

How does Green Bay compare to other Wisconsin cities? For an LPN, Green Bay is a sweet spot. It offers a higher cost of living advantage over Madison and Milwaukee. While an LPN in Milwaukee might see a slightly higher nominal salary (closer to $56,000), the rent in Milwaukee is often 30-40% higher. In Green Bay, your dollar goes much further. Compared to Appleton or Oshkosh, the salaries are nearly identical, but Green Bay has a larger healthcare infrastructure, providing more job variety.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $53,325/year sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single LPN living in Green Bay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $53,325/year Gross Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,444	Before any deductions.
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	~$1,000	This is an estimate (approx. 22-25% effective rate).
Net Monthly Income	~$3,444	Post-tax take-home.
Rent (1BR, Avg)	$841	The city average. You can find options from $700-$1,100.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$150	Varies by season; heat is a factor in winter.
Groceries	$300	A reasonable budget for one person.
Car Insurance/Gas	$250	Green Bay is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if employer not covering full premium)	$150	Varies widely by employer.
Miscellaneous/Debt/Savings	$1,753	This is your discretionary income.

With this budget, you still have a healthy amount of $1,753 for savings, debt payments, student loans, entertainment, and other goals. This is a very manageable financial situation.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Green Bay's biggest advantages. The median home price in the Green Bay metro area is around $265,000. With your budget, a 20% down payment ($53,000) would be challenging to save quickly, but a 5-10% down payment is very feasible. Your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $265,000 home could be around $1,400 - $1,600/month, which is only slightly more than 2-3 times the average rent. With your net income of ~$3,444, this is well within the recommended 30% housing cost guideline. Many LPNs in Green Bay are homeowners.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

Green Bay's healthcare landscape is robust, anchored by a major hospital system and a strong network of long-term care facilities. The job market for LPNs is stable, with 211 LPN jobs currently listed in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 5%. This growth is driven by an aging population requiring more geriatric and long-term care services.

Here are the key employers you need to know:

1. Aurora Medical Center - Green Bay: Part of the Advocate Aurora Health system, this is one of the largest and most modern hospitals in the region. They hire LPNs for their inpatient rehab units, long-term care facilities (like Aurora at Bay) and sometimes in specialty clinics. They are a major employer and offer good benefits and career ladders. Insider Tip: Positions here are competitive. Tailor your resume to highlight experience with electronic health records (EHR) like Epic, which they use.

2. Bellin Health: A local, community-owned health system. Bellin offers primary care, specialty clinics, and a critical access hospital. They often hire LPNs for their outpatient clinics, behavioral health, and occupational health services. It's a great place to work if you prefer a clinic setting over hospital floors. Insider Tip: Bellin has a strong "community health" focus. Highlight any public health or community outreach experience.

3. St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center (HSHS): Part of the Hospital Sisters Health System, St. Mary's is a key player, especially for emergency and surgical services. LPNs are often found in their outpatient surgery centers, specialty clinics, and in some inpatient roles. Insider Tip: HSHS has a faith-based mission. While not required, showing alignment with their values of compassion and service can be beneficial.

4. Long-Term Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities: This is the largest employer category for LPNs in Green Bay. Major players include Cedar Grove Gardens, The Pointe at Bay, Bay Area Medical Center (in Marinette, just north), and numerous others. These facilities rely heavily on LPNs for daily patient care, medication administration, and wound care. Hiring is frequent, especially for night and weekend shifts.

5. Home Health Agencies: Agencies like Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Northeastern Wisconsin and Interim HealthCare are always in need of LPNs for in-home care. This offers flexibility and a different pace. Insider Tip: You'll need a reliable vehicle and good time management skills. The pay can be slightly higher to compensate for travel.

6. UW-Green Bay & Local Colleges: While not always hiring LPNs for clinical roles, they employ LPNs for student health services and sometimes for health science simulation labs. A niche but stable option.

Hiring Trends: There is a constant demand for LPNs in long-term care. Hospital positions are more competitive but offer more diverse clinical exposure. Home health is growing. The overall trend is a steady need due to the region's aging demographics.

Getting Licensed in WI

If you're moving from another state, you'll need to get licensed in Wisconsin. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Requirements:

1. Graduation: Completion of a state-approved LPN program.
2. Exam: Pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check.
4. Application: Complete the application through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Costs (Approximate):

• Application Fee: $122.50
• Background Check: ~$40 (varies by vendor)
• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE)
• Total Initial Cost: ~$362.50

Timeline: If you already hold an active license in another state, you can apply for Licensure by Endorsement. The process typically takes 4-8 weeks once all documents are submitted. It's wise to start the process before you move. If you need to take the NCLEX-PN for the first time, you must apply for an authorization to test (ATT), which can add several weeks. Action Step: Visit the Wisconsin DSPS website and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for the most current forms and fees.

Best Neighborhoods for LPNs

Your commute and lifestyle are important. Green Bay is divided by the Fox River. Here are four neighborhoods to consider, balancing commute, amenities, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute Time to Major Hospitals	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for an LPN
Downtown / Astor Park	Urban, walkable. 5-10 min drive to St. Mary's, 10-15 to Aurora.	$900 - $1,200	Ideal for those who want nightlife, restaurants, and a short commute. Older buildings with character.
Allouez / East Side	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. 10-15 min to Aurora, 15 to St. Mary's.	$800 - $1,000	Excellent access to Bay Beach, shopping, and newer apartment complexes. Very popular with healthcare workers.
Ashwaubenon	Suburban, modern. 10-12 min to Aurora (via Oneida St.), 15 to St. Mary's.	$850 - $1,100	Home to the Resch Center and Lambeau Field area. Lots of new restaurants and shopping. Great for young professionals.
De Pere (South of the River)	Small-town feel, very safe. 15-20 min commute to all hospitals (cross the Claude Allouez Bridge).	$750 - $950	Often more affordable rent. Excellent schools and a strong community feel. A top choice for LPNs with families.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Green Bay is minimal. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. Your choice should be based on your lifestyle, not fear of a long drive. The east side (Allouez) is a perennial favorite for healthcare workers due to its proximity to Aurora and pleasant living conditions.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Green Bay is a solid foundation, but where you take it is up to you.

Specialty Premiums:

• Geriatrics/LTC: This is the core market. No premium, but high stability.
• Pediatrics: A slight premium can be found in specialty clinics or pediatric home health, but opportunities are limited.
• Wound Care/Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN): Obtaining a certification can lead to higher pay in outpatient clinics or hospital roles.
• IV Therapy: LPNs in WI have a restricted IV scope. Specialized training can open doors in infusion centers or oncology clinics.

Advancement Paths:

1. Leadership: Move from staff LPN to Charge Nurse or Unit Supervisor in a long-term care facility.
2. Education: Become a clinical instructor for a local LPN program (requires experience and often a BSN).
3. Bridge to RN: This is the most common path. Green Bay has excellent programs, including at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Bellin College. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement. An RN salary in Green Bay is typically $70,000 - $85,000+, a significant jump.

10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The 5% job growth is promising but modest. It means jobs will be steady, not exploding. The demand will be most acute in long-term care and home health. To stay competitive and advance, consider specializing or pursuing your RN. The local market rewards loyalty and skill; an LPN with 5+ years of solid experience in Green Bay will have no trouble finding employment.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

For an LPN, Green Bay offers a compelling mix of affordability, job stability, and quality of life. It's not a flashy, high-growth metropolis, but it's a dependable and rewarding place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your salary goes far, with homeownership easily achievable.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable car.
Strong Job Market: Steady demand in LTC, hospitals, and home health.	Colder Winters: Be prepared for snow and cold from November to April.
Manageable Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you won't waste hours in your car.	Smaller City Feel: Less diversity, fewer major cultural amenities than Milwaukee or Madison.
Sense of Community: People are friendly and invested in the city.	Slower Career Advancement: Fewer specialty roles than in larger cities.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: The pace is less frantic than in bigger metros.	Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winters are long and gray; be mindful of mental health.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an excellent choice for LPNs who value financial stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a strong sense of community. It's particularly well-suited for those considering starting a family or purchasing a home. If you're seeking the highest possible salary or a vast array of niche specialties, a larger metro area might be a better fit. But for the vast majority of LPNs, Green Bay is a smart, practical, and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a warmer state. How bad are the winters really? They're significant, and you must be prepared. You'll need a good winter coat, snow boots, and a reliable car with all-wheel drive or winter tires. However, the city is well-equipped to handle snow, and most workplaces are very understanding. Embrace winter sports or find cozy indoor hobbies, and you'll get through it.

2. Can I get a job in Green Bay with just my LPN license, without long-term care experience? Yes, but your options will be more limited. Most entry-level hospital jobs prefer some experience. You may have to start in a skilled nursing facility (LTC) or home health to build experience, then transition to a hospital role after a year or two. Be open to starting in LTC—it's the backbone of the local market.

3. How is the work-life balance for LPNs here? Generally very good. While shift work is common (especially in hospitals and LTC), the overall pace is less intense than in major metropolitan areas. The manageable commute adds to your personal time. Many LPNs here work three 12-hour shifts a week and have a solid four days off.

4. Do I need to know Spanish to work as an LPN in Green Bay? It's not a requirement, but it is a major asset. The Latino community is growing in Green Bay, especially on the west side. Bilingual LPNs are highly valued in all settings, from home health to clinics. If you have Spanish skills, highlight them prominently on your resume.

5. What is the biggest challenge for new LPNs in Green Bay? The biggest hurdle can be finding the right job fit in a smaller market. There are fewer employers than in a huge city, so if a workplace culture isn't a good match, your options are more limited. Do your research on employers, read reviews on sites like Indeed or Glassdoor, and if possible, talk to current employees. Networking through local nursing associations can be invaluable.