The Complete Career Guide for Nursing Assistants in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay isn't just the title town for the Packers; it's a tight-knit community with a deep need for healthcare workers. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), it offers a stable job market, a low cost of living, and a lifestyle that balances city amenities with Midwestern charm. This guide breaks down the realities of working as a CNA in Green Bay, from your take-home pay to where you can afford to live, all based on local data and insider knowledge.

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In the Green Bay metro area (which includes Brown and Kewaunee counties), the financial outlook for CNAs is a mixed bag. The good news is that the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, which helps your dollar go further. However, the salary itself is slightly below the national benchmark.

The median annual salary for a Nursing Assistant in Green Bay is $34,912, which translates to an hourly rate of $16.78. This is marginally lower than the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760. It's a classic trade-off: you accept a slightly lower wage in exchange for significantly cheaper housing and daily expenses.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in the Green Bay region:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $33,000
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$34,912 (Median)
Experienced	5-10 years	$37,000 - $40,000
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$41,000+

When you compare Green Bay to other Wisconsin cities, the pattern holds. Milwaukee and Madison, with their larger hospitals and higher costs of living, typically offer salaries 5-10% higher. However, the rent in those cities can be double what you'll find in Green Bay. For a CNA, a slightly lower salary in a city with an average 1BR rent of $841/month can feel more financially stable than a higher salary where rent soaks up $1,200+.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base pay. The major employers in Green Bay—especially the large hospital systems—are known for offering shift differentials (extra pay for evenings, nights, and weekends) and sign-on bonuses, particularly during seasonal hiring pushes. These can effectively boost your annual income by $2,000-$4,000.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The reported median salary of $34,912 is a pre-tax figure. Let's break down what that means for your monthly budget in Green Bay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on \34,912 Annual Salary):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $2,909
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$550
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,359
• Average 1BR Rent: -$841
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$1,518

This budget is manageable, but tight. The key is to find affordable housing. A common strategy for local CNAs is to split the cost of a two-bedroom apartment or a small house with a roommate, which can drop housing costs to around $500-$600 per person, freeing up significant cash for savings or debt repayment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it's a realistic goal. The median home price in the Green Bay metro area is approximately $265,000. With a 10% down payment ($26,500), a standard 30-year mortgage at current interest rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,700-$1,800. This is higher than the rent for a 1BR but often comparable to the cost of a 2BR apartment. On a $34,912 salary, this is a stretch without significant savings or a second income. However, for a CNA with 5+ years of experience earning closer to $40,000 or with a partner also employed, homeownership becomes very attainable in Green Bay compared to nearly any other metro area in the U.S.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The healthcare sector is the backbone of Green Bay's economy, and as a CNA, you'll have several major employers to consider. Hiring is steady, with a particular need in long-term care and home health.

1. Bellin Health: A regional powerhouse and one of the largest employers in the area. They operate the main hospital, numerous urgent care clinics, and a robust home health service. Hiring trends show a consistent need for CNAs across all settings, with a slight preference for those with geriatric experience. They offer strong benefits and tuition assistance for career advancement.
2. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: Part of the Advocate Aurora Health system, this is the other major hospital in town. It's a Level II Trauma and Comprehensive Stroke Center, meaning high-acuity units often seek experienced CNAs. Their system-wide jobs portal is a key resource, and they have a reputation for offering competitive shift differentials.
3. St. Mary's Hospital (Medical Center of Green Bay): Part of the Ascension network, this hospital has a deep history in the community and is a major employer on the city's east side. It's known for a strong focus on community health, creating CNA roles in outpatient and community-based care.
4. Extendicare (Rennes Health & Rehab): For CNAs interested in long-term care, Rennes is a primary destination. With multiple locations in the Green Bay area (including one directly attached to a hospital), they offer consistent work in skilled nursing facilities. The volume of residents means staffing needs are always present, and experience here is highly valued.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Home Instead, Right at Home): The aging population has driven a boom in non-medical home care. These agencies offer more flexible schedules and one-on-one patient interaction. Pay can be slightly lower than hospitals, but the work-life balance is often better. This is a great option for CNAs who prefer a quieter setting.
6. Green Bay Area Public Schools: Don't overlook school nursing. CNAs can work as health aides in the school district, providing care for students with medical needs. This role follows the school calendar (summers off, holidays off), offering a unique work-life balance that many CNAs find attractive.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear path to certification, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum 120-hour program that includes 75 hours of classroom instruction and 45 hours of clinical training. In Green Bay, reputable programs are offered at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC), Bellin College, and several private schools. Tuition typically ranges from $800 to $1,500.
2. Pass the Competency Exam: After your course, you must pass both a written (multiple-choice) and a skills exam. The exam is administered by a third-party vendor, often CNA365. The total cost for the exam is around $200.
3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply to the DSPS for your name to be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. The application fee is $50. The entire process, from starting class to getting your certificate, can take as little as 3-4 months.

Insider Tip: Some employers, especially long-term care facilities, will offer to pay for your training if you commit to working for them for a set period (usually 6-12 months). This is an excellent way to enter the field with no upfront cost.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Green Bay will significantly impact your commute and lifestyle. The city is not sprawling; most commutes are under 20 minutes.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown / Allouez	Urban, walkable. Close to St. Mary's and Bellin's downtown clinics. Easy access to restaurants and nightlife.	$775 - $950
East Side (Near NWTC)	Residential, family-friendly. A short drive to Aurora BayCare and Rennes. Good value for apartments.	$700 - $850
Ashwaubenon	Modern, convenient. Adjacent to the stadium district, with new apartment complexes. A central hub for commuting to any hospital.	$800 - $950
On-Ward / West Side	Quiet, established neighborhoods. More affordable single-family homes. A longer commute to the east side hospitals (15-20 mins).	$650 - $800

Neighborhood Insight: The East Side is often the sweet spot for CNAs. It's affordable, has a high concentration of healthcare jobs, and offers easy access to the Bay of Green Bay for outdoor recreation. If you're looking for a more social, urban environment, Downtown is the place to be, though your budget will be tighter.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Green Bay is a solid foundation, not a dead end. Advancement is both vertical and horizontal.

• Vertical Growth (Ladder): Many CNAs go on to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). Local colleges like NWTC and Bellin College offer accelerated bridge programs. An LPN salary in the area starts around $45,000, while an RN median is closer to $68,000. Your experience as a CNA is invaluable here.
• Horizontal Growth (Specialties): You can specialize within the CNA role. Working in a hospital telemetry unit or ICU can command a higher wage than a general med-surg floor. CNAs in dialysis and hospice care often see a premium for their specialized skills. The 10-year job growth projection for CNAs in the region is 4%, which is stable and reflects the consistent demand from an aging population.
• Other Paths: Some CNAs move into clinical research coordination (with local research sites) or patient advocacy roles within hospital systems. Others leverage their bedside experience to move into healthcare administration or supply chain management within the same organizations.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Green Bay presents a compelling case for CNAs seeking stability and a high quality of life. It's a city where your professional skills are in demand and your paycheck stretches further than in most places. However, it's not a fast-paced, high-growth metropolis.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, especially for housing.	Salary Ceiling: Peak earnings for CNAs are lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand in hospitals, long-term care, and home health.	Limited Specialty Variety: Fewer niche fields compared to a city like Milwaukee or Chicago.
Short Commutes: Easy to get to work, no traffic jams.	Cultural & Social Scene: More low-key; fewer big-city amenities.
Strong Community Feel: A true "hometown" atmosphere with friendly people.	Harsh Winters: The snow and cold are real and last from November to April.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an excellent fit for a CNA who values stability, a manageable cost of living, and a community-oriented lifestyle. It's ideal for those starting their careers, planning to buy a home, or seeking a better work-life balance. If your primary goal is to maximize your salary above all else, you might look elsewhere. But for a holistic view of career and life, Green Bay offers a rare and valuable combination.

FAQs

Q: Is there a high demand for CNAs in Green Bay?
A: Yes. The 211 jobs currently listed in the metro area (per BLS data) and the 4% 10-year growth rate indicate steady demand. The aging population in Wisconsin ensures long-term stability in the sector.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for a new CNA in Green Bay?
A: The biggest challenge is often the winter weather. Navigating snow and ice for a 6 AM or 11 PM shift requires a reliable vehicle and planning. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's a major lifestyle adjustment if you're moving from a warmer climate.

Q: Can I live in Green Bay without a car?
A: It's possible but very difficult. While the city has a bus system (Green Bay Metro), it's not as comprehensive as in larger cities. Many healthcare facilities have multiple locations, and a car provides essential flexibility for commuting and errands, especially in winter.

Q: Which employer offers the best benefits for CNAs?
A: Bellin Health and Aurora BayCare (Advocate Aurora) are generally regarded as having the most comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement. However, smaller facilities like Rennes may offer more predictable schedules and a closer-knit team environment.

Q: How do I find CNA jobs in Green Bay?
A: Start with the major employer career portals (Bellin, Aurora, Ascension). Use state-specific job boards like Wisconsin Job Center. Also, connect with local staffing agencies that specialize in healthcare—they often have access to temporary and permanent roles before they're publicly posted.