Medical Assistant in Green Bay, WI

As a career analyst who’s watched Green Bay’s healthcare scene evolve for over a decade, I can tell you this isn’t a market that screams for attention—it quietly delivers steady, reliable opportunities. If you’re a Medical Assistant (MA) considering a move here, you’re looking at a stable, low-cost environment where your skills are valued, but you’re not competing with the high-density chaos of a major metropolis.

Green Bay operates as the core of a tight-knit, 105,734-person metro area where healthcare is a dominant employer. The cost of living is a key advantage here, sitting at a 92.1 (US avg = 100). This means your paycheck stretches further than in most places, even if the base salary is slightly below the national average. Let’s get into the specifics.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

The most important number to start with is the median salary for Medical Assistants in the Green Bay metro area: $37,363/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.96/hour. This is marginally below the national average of $38,270/year. However, when you factor in the cost of living, that gap narrows considerably.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	Bellin Health (clinics), HSHS St. Mary’s (outpatient), urgent care centers
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$37,000 - $41,000	Aurora BayCare (multi-specialty), Prevea Health (family medicine)
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$42,000 - $46,000	Specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics at Bellin), hospital inpatient
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$47,000+	Supervisory roles, lead MAs in large clinics, education roles

Insider Tip: Specialization is where you can outpace the median. MAs with experience in cardiology, orthopedics, or behavioral health often command the higher end of these ranges, especially at specialty clinics attached to Aurora BayCare Medical Center or Bellin Health’s regional centers.

How Green Bay Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:
While Green Bay’s median is $37,363, other WI metros show a slight variance. Milwaukee’s MAs earn closer to $40,500, but the cost of living there is ~105, erasing the gain. Madison is similar to Milwaukee. Appleton (another Fox Valley city) is nearly identical to Green Bay in both salary and cost of living. The consistency across the state’s mid-sized cities means your decision should hinge more on lifestyle and employer culture than on dramatic salary swings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $37,363 median salary in reality. After federal taxes, FICA, and state tax (Wisconsin’s progressive system), your take-home pay will be approximately $2,850/month. With the average 1BR rent at $841/month, you can see the math works in Green Bay’s favor.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary Scenario):

• Gross Monthly Income: $3,113
• Estimated Taxes & Deductions: ~$263
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,850
• Rent (1BR Average): $841
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $2,009

This leaves a healthy 69% of your income for other expenses. Utilities (heating in Wisconsin winters is a real budget item) for a 1BR average $150-200/month in winter. Transportation costs are low if you own a reliable vehicle, as public transit is limited.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, but with caveats. As of 2023, the median home price in the Green Bay metro was around $280,000. With a 20% down payment, your mortgage would be roughly $1,400/month, which is ~54% of your net take-home pay. This is pushing the upper limit of affordability on a single income. However, many medical professionals here buy homes with a partner or after gaining several years of experience to reach the $42,000+ salary bracket. It’s common for MAs to buy in more affordable suburbs like De Pere or Allouez.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

Green Bay’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by two major systems, with a few key players filling important niches. The job market for MAs is stable, with 211 jobs listed in the metro at any given time, according to recent BLS data.

1. Bellin Health: The “hometown” system. They operate a massive flagship hospital (Bellin Hospital) and a sprawling network of primary care and specialty clinics across Northeast Wisconsin. They are consistently the largest MA employer. Hiring trends: stable, with a focus on internal advancement. Their Bellin College also creates a pipeline of new MAs, but they hire externally too.

2. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: The other major hospital system, part of Advocate Aurora. Their flagship is a Level II Trauma Center, offering more high-acuity environments. They also run a large network of outpatient clinics (Aurora Health Care). Hiring trends: competitive. They often seek MAs with strong phlebotomy and EKG skills for their urgent care and specialty lines.

3. Prevea Health: A large multi-specialty group owned by HSHS (Hospital Sisters Health System). They have a massive footprint in primary care and have integrated specialties. They operate clinics throughout Green Bay, De Pere, and Howard. Hiring is active, especially for their high-volume family medicine practices. Note: Prevea and HSHS are closely linked, so your MA role could involve work at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center.

4. HSHS St. Mary’s & St. Vincent Hospitals: Operated by the Hospital Sisters Health System. St. Mary’s is the larger, more modern facility in the title, with St. Vincent being a more historic downtown location. They often have positions in inpatient settings (a less common but valuable niche for MAs) and their clinics. Hiring is steady, with a strong emphasis on their faith-based mission.

5. Urgent Care & Private Specialists: Don’t overlook the independent urgent care chains (like AFC Urgent Care or ProHealth Care) and private specialty groups (orthopedics, cardiology, dermatology). These can be excellent places to gain specialized experience and often pay at the mid-to-senior level. They move faster in hiring than large health systems.

Insider Tip: Many jobs are posted directly on the employer’s career page, not on major job boards. Set up alerts on the Bellin and Aurora BayCare sites.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state license for Medical Assistants. However, the path to employment is highly structured and credential-focused. Employers overwhelmingly require national certification.

Requirements & Costs:

• Education: A post-secondary diploma or associate degree from an accredited program is the standard. Local programs include those at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), Bellin College, and Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton).
• Certification: You must pass a national exam. The two most recognized are:
  • CMA (AAMA): Certified Medical Assistant (from the AAMA). Requires graduation from an accredited program.
  • RMA (AMT): Registered Medical Assistant (from the American Medical Technologists).
• Cost: Exam fees are $120-$150. Program tuition varies: NWTC’s diploma program costs roughly $7,000-$9,000; an associate degree can be $12,000-$20,000 depending on the school.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Enroll in an Accredited Program: 9-18 months for a diploma; 2 years for an associate degree.
2. Complete Externship: Most programs include a 160+ hour clinical externship. This is your foot in the door—perform well, and you may get a job offer.
3. Pass Certification Exam: Schedule soon after graduation.
4. Job Search: 1-3 months. Specialized skills (phlebotomy, EKG, X-ray) can speed this up.

Critical Note: BLS (Basic Life Support) certification is mandatory for almost every MA job in Green Bay. Most programs include it, but if not, add $75-$100 and a day of training.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Green Bay is a driving city. Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown for a working MA.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Green Bay	Urban walkable, near St. Vincent Hospital, nightlife. Commutes to suburbs can be 15-20 mins.	$950 - $1,200	Young professionals, those who want to be near restaurants and the Fox River.
Astor Park / East Side	Quiet, residential, close to Bellin Hospital. Easy commute to most clinics.	$800 - $950	MAs working at Bellin, seeking a peaceful, family-friendly area.
De Pere (West Side)	A separate city (part of the metro), charming downtown, strong community feel. 10-20 min commute to GB.	$800 - $1,000	Those wanting a small-town feel with city amenities; close to Prevea clinics.
Allouez / Bellevue	Suburban, affordable, with easy highway access (I-43). Commutes to major hospitals are 10-15 mins.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious MAs who value short commutes and space.
Howard	Growing suburb north of GB, more new apartments, family-oriented. Commute to Aurora BayCare is short.	$850 - $1,000	MAs working at Aurora BayCare or Prevea clinics in the northern corridor.

Insider Tip: If you work at Aurora BayCare Medical Center (on the east side), living in Howard or Suamico can cut your commute to under 15 minutes. For Bellin Hospital, Astor Park is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Green Bay, career growth for MAs is more about specialization and taking on leadership within a system than rapid vertical leaps. The 10-year job growth projection is 15%, which is optimistic and reflects an aging population and the expansion of outpatient care.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology at Bellin or Aurora can earn $2-4/hour more than the clinic MA. These roles often require additional training provided by the employer.
• Advancement Paths: The most common paths are:
  1. Lead MA: Overseeing a team of 3-5 MAs in a large clinic.
  2. Clinical Coordinator: A mix of MA duties and administrative/managerial tasks.
  3. Phlebotomy/EKG Specialist: Becoming the go-to expert for complex draws and testing.
• Further Education: Many MAs use their experience and employer tuition assistance to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Green Bay has strong LPN programs at NWTC and Bellin College. This is a very common and lucrative path.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $37,363 salary goes far.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity.
Stable Job Market: 211 jobs, 15% projected growth.	Winters are Long & Harsh: From November to March, expect snow and cold.
Employer Diversity: Two major hospital systems + private clinics.	Salary Ceiling: Top-out pay for non-supervisory MAs is modest compared to coastal cities.
Community Feel: Easy to build a network; it’s a “big small town.”	Limited Nightlife/Culture: Compared to Milwaukee or Madison, options are quieter.
Access to Nature: Nearby Lake Michigan, forests, and trails.	Professional Networking is more local and less formal than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Green Bay is an excellent choice for Medical Assistants who prioritize stability, affordability, and a manageable pace of life. It’s not the place for someone seeking the highest possible salary or a bustling, anonymous city vibe. For a practical, career-focused MA who wants to buy a home, enjoy a strong sense of community, and have a predictable commute, Green Bay offers a compelling, data-driven package. The $17.96/hour wage, combined with $841 rent, creates a sustainable lifestyle that’s increasingly rare in today’s economy.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know French or any other language?
No. English is the primary language of healthcare in Green Bay. While having a second language (like Hmong or Spanish) is a significant asset and can make you a more competitive candidate, it is not a requirement.

2. What’s the weather really like?
Be prepared. Average winter highs are in the 20s (°F) with substantial snowfall. Summers are warm and humid, with highs in the 80s. Your budget must account for reliable winter clothing, winter tires, and higher heating bills (often $150-$250/month in deep winter).

3. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
It’s competitive but fair. With 211 jobs and a steady pipeline of graduates from local schools, you need a strong resume and a good externship. Having a CMA (AAMA) credential is the standard and often a minimum requirement. Apply for at least 10-15 positions.

4. Can I live in Green Bay without a car?
Technically yes, but it’s very difficult. The bus system (Green Bay Metro) is limited and doesn’t run frequently. Most MA jobs require commuting to various clinics or hospitals, which are spread out. Plan on owning a reliable vehicle and budgeting for gas, insurance, and winter maintenance.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Extremely limited. Medical Assistant roles are, by nature, hands-on and clinical. While telehealth has grown, the core MA tasks (vitals, injections, rooming patients) require an in-person presence. Any remote roles would be in administrative health care, not as a certified MA.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Green Bay-East Bay-West, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area; Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for tuition data; local employer career pages; and Green Bay Area Public Schools for neighborhood context. All salary data is as referenced in the provided prompt.