Pharmacist in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As a pharmacist considering Green Bay, your first question is likely about compensation. Let's get straight to the data, because in this market, your income is directly tied to your experience and the specific sector you enter. The Green Bay metro area presents a unique salary landscape that is slightly below the national average but is balanced by a significantly lower cost of living.

The median salary for a pharmacist in the Green Bay metro is $132,806/year, with an hourly rate of $63.85/hour. This places you about 2% below the national average of $136,030/year. However, with a cost of living index of 92.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches further here. The metro area, with a population of 105,734, supports approximately 211 pharmacist jobs. The 10-year job growth projection for pharmacists in this region is -3%, reflecting a broader national trend of consolidation and automation in retail and hospital settings, but with steady demand in specialized and clinical roles.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a breakdown of salary by experience level, based on regional data for Wisconsin.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$115,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	4-9 years	$125,000 - $140,000
Senior/Managerial	10-19 years	$140,000 - $155,000
Expert/Clinical Specialist	20+ years	$150,000 - $170,000+

Insider Tip: The upper end of these ranges is typically achievable in hospital systems (like Bellin Health or HSHS) or in specialized ambulatory care roles (e.g., oncology, diabetes management) within the region. Retail chain pharmacists (CVS, Walgreens) generally cluster in the median to lower-mid range, though experienced managers can command greater compensation.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities:

• Milwaukee: Salaries are higher ($138,000 - $145,000 for mid-career), but the cost of living (index ~95-98) and traffic are substantially higher.
• Madison: Similar salaries to Milwaukee, but the cost of living is the highest in the state (index ~102), driven by the university and state government economy.
• Appleton-Fox Cities: A close peer market, with very similar salary and cost-of-living figures to Green Bay. Competition for jobs can be slightly fiercer due to a slightly larger commercial base.
• Wausau/Rhinelander: Lower salaries (often $10,000-$15,000 below Green Bay), but also a significantly lower cost of living, appealing to those prioritizing affordability over urban amenities.

Green Bay hits a sweet spot for pharmacists who value a balanced lifestyle, where take-home pay goes further without sacrificing the core benefits of a mid-sized city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $132,806/year translates to a monthly gross income of approximately $11,067. After federal, state (Wisconsin's progressive tax system), and FICA taxes, your estimated monthly take-home pay is roughly $7,800 (this is a conservative estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your specific withholding).

With the average 1BR rent in Green Bay at $841/month, your housing burden is incredibly low—a mere 10.8% of your take-home pay. This is the defining financial advantage of living in Green Bay.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a pharmacist earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$3,267	Based on single filer, standard deduction.
Take-Home Pay	~$7,800	Your starting point for all expenses.
Rent (1BR Average)	$841	Can range from $700 (West Side) to $1,100 (Astor Park).
Utilities (Elec, Heat, Internet)	$250 - $350	Winter heating costs are a key factor.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Similar to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Green Bay is car-dependent; insurance is reasonable.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300 - $500	Varies greatly by employer.
Student Loans	$300 - $800	Varies widely; a major factor for new grads.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$1,107	Critical for long-term wealth.
Discretionary Spending	$1,500 - $2,000	Dining, entertainment, travel, hobbies.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Green Bay's strongest selling points. With substantial discretionary income after budgeting, saving for a down payment is feasible within a few years. The median home price in the Green Bay metro is approximately $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of around $1,500 - $1,600. For a dual-income household or a pharmacist with a few years of experience, this is highly manageable, often using less than 25% of gross income—a healthy metric for homeownership.

Insider Tip: Many pharmacists in their first 3-5 years of practice in Green Bay choose to rent a 2BR apartment or a small house for $1,000 - $1,300/month to build savings aggressively. This allows them to purchase a home in a desirable neighborhood (like Allouez or De Pere) once they've reached the mid-career salary bracket, without feeling house-poor.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The job market for pharmacists in Green Bay is dominated by a few large organizational structures. Understanding these players is key to navigating your job search.

1. Bellin Health: A major regional integrated health system headquartered in Green Bay. They operate a large hospital and numerous primary care/specialty clinics. Their pharmacy department is robust, with opportunities in inpatient clinical pharmacy, ambulatory care (especially cardiology and diabetes), and retail pharmacies within their clinics. Hiring tends to be steady but competitive, with a preference for candidates with a Pharm.D. and residency training for clinical roles. Trend: Expanding specialty pharmacy services for chronic disease management.

2. Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) - Wisconsin Division: HSHS runs St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay and St. Mary’s in De Pere. This is a large, faith-based system with a traditional hospital pharmacy structure. They have significant needs for inpatient staff pharmacists, clinical specialists, and management. They also operate affiliated community pharmacies. Trend: Focus on integrating pharmacy into the electronic health record (EHR) and supporting hospital-at-home programs.

3. Aurora Health Care (Advocate Aurora Health): While headquartered in Milwaukee, Aurora has a massive footprint in Green Bay with Aurora BayCare Medical Center and numerous primary care and specialty clinics. They are a major employer with opportunities in hospital, clinic-based (ambulatory care), and corporate roles (managed care, specialty pharmacy). Trend: Aggressive expansion of ambulatory care pharmacy services and population health initiatives.

4. Retail Chains (CVS Health, Walgreens): These are the most common employers for new graduates and those seeking community-based practice. CVS and Walgreens have dozens of locations in the Green Bay metro, from high-volume downtown stores to smaller community pharmacies in suburbs like Ashwaubenon and Howard. While these jobs are plentiful, turnover can be high due to workload pressures. Trend: Increasing focus on clinical services (vaccinations, health screenings, medication therapy management) to offset declining prescription volume.

5. Prevea Health: A large multi-specialty physician group owned by HSHS. They operate numerous clinics and urgent care centers throughout the region. Their pharmacy is primarily ambulatory-focused, embedded within clinics. This is a great option for pharmacists who want to work directly with physicians and patients in a outpatient setting. Trend: Growth in specialty clinics (e.g., oncology, rheumatology) driving demand for pharmacy support.

6. Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW): While their main campus is in Milwaukee, they have a growing presence in the Green Bay area through partnerships and clinics. They offer opportunities for pharmacists interested in academic medicine and research, often in more specialized areas.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market here is with smaller, independent pharmacies and specialty compounding pharmacies. Network with local pharmacists at events hosted by the Wisconsin Pharmacists Association (WPhA) to uncover these opportunities, which often offer more autonomy and a close-knit community feel.

Getting Licensed in WI

1. Check Eligibility: The Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board (a division of the Department of Safety and Professional Services) requires a graduate of a ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. You must also have completed the required internship hours (typically 1,500 hours during school).
2. Pass the NAPLEX: You must register for and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The application fee is $785 (as of 2024).
3. Pass the MPJE (Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam): Wisconsin requires the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Wisconsin-specific laws and regulations. The fee is $260. You must study the Wisconsin Administrative Code and Statutes related to pharmacy practice.
4. Apply to the Wisconsin Board: Submit a complete application to the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board, including transcripts, proof of graduation, and scores. The application fee is $220. Background checks and fingerprinting are required (approx. $75).
5. Timeline: From graduation to licensure, the process typically takes 3 to 6 months. If you are already licensed in another state, Wisconsin has a reciprocity ("comity") process. You'll need to meet the same exam requirements (NAPLEX and MPJE) unless you're licensed in a state with a reciprocal agreement and have passed those exams. The timeline for comity is similar, but you must submit verification from your original state board.

Total Estimated Licensure Cost (New Grad): $1,140 + background check. This is a significant upfront cost, so factor it into your job search budget.

Insider Tip: Start studying for the MPJE the moment you graduate. Wisconsin's laws are unique, especially around collaborative practice agreements (CPAs) and technician supervision. The WPhA offers excellent MPJE prep resources.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Choosing a neighborhood in Green Bay depends on your commute and lifestyle. Most pharmacist jobs are clustered in the central city (downtown, near the hospitals) or in the suburbs along the Oneida and Fox Rivers.

1. Downtown Green Bay: The heart of the city, home to HSHS St. Vincent and BayCare Hospital. Ideal for pharmacists working at these major hospitals. Commute is walkable or a very short drive. Rent: $900 - $1,400 for a 1BR in a historic building or new apartment complex. Pros: Urban energy, walkability, proximity to work. Cons: Parking can be challenging; fewer large grocery stores.

2. Allouez: A central, established suburb just south of the hospital district. It's a mix of single-family homes and apartments, with a quiet, residential feel. Excellent access to I-43. Rent: $800 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Pros: Family-friendly, safe, central location for most jobs. Cons: Less nightlife than downtown.

3. De Pere (South of the Fox River): Technically a separate city but part of the metro area. Home to HSHS St. Mary's and many Prevea clinics. It has a charming, small-town feel with a vibrant main street (Broadway). Rent: $850 - $1,250 for a 1BR. Pros: Strong community, excellent schools, easy commute to Green Bay jobs. Cons: Slightly longer commute to the north side hospitals.

4. Astor Park (West Side): A newer, master-planned community on the city's west side. It's popular with young professionals and families. The commute to downtown hospitals is 10-15 minutes via I-41. Rent: $950 - $1,300 for a modern 1BR apartment. Pros: New amenities, parks, easy highway access. Cons: Can feel a bit generic; less historic character.

5. Ashwaubenon (West of the Lambeau Field area): Home to the Bay Park Square mall, Resch Center, and many chain restaurants. It's a commercial hub with a mix of housing. Commute to the central city is 10-15 minutes. Rent: $800 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Pros: Retail convenience, sports/entertainment access (Lambeau is here), good value. Cons: High traffic on major roads; less walkable.

Insider Tip: If you work at Bellin or HSHS St. Vincent, living in Allouez or the Bay Beach area gives you a sub-10-minute commute, which is a huge quality-of-life win in a snowy winter. For Aurora BayCare, consider the De Pere or Allouez side of the river.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job growth is projected at -3%, this doesn't tell the full story. The nature of pharmacy jobs is shifting, creating new opportunities for those who adapt.

• Specialty Premiums: In Green Bay, pharmacists with specialized training can command significant salary premiums. A clinical pharmacist with a BCPS (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) credential working in a hospital can earn $145,000 - $160,000. An oncology or diabetes specialist in an ambulatory clinic may make $135,000 - $150,000. These roles are growing as health systems invest in value-based care.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Staff Pharmacist → Clinical Pharmacist → Specialist → Pharmacy Manager/Director.
  • Industry: Moving into medical science liaison (MSL) roles for pharmaceutical companies, though these are often remote or based in Milwaukee/Chicago.
  • Managed Care/PBM: Roles in pharmacy benefits management with regional insurers like Network Health or in positions for national PBMs.
  • Education: Teaching opportunities at Bellin College or the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's nursing program (which may have pharmacy-related courses).
• 10-Year Outlook: The retail model will continue to consolidate, with a stronger emphasis on clinical services. The real growth will be in hospital and health-system pharmacy (driven by complex medications and population health) and ambulatory care (managing chronic diseases in clinic settings). Pharmacists who embrace technology (EHR integration, telepharmacy) and obtain certifications will be most resilient.

Insider Tip: Invest in a certification within your first 3-5 years. The BCPS is the most versatile and respected in hospital and clinical settings. The cost and time investment pay off in both salary and job security in this market.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Green Bay offers a compelling package for pharmacists: a stable job market in core institutions, a salary that goes very far due to low costs, and a high quality of life in a compact, friendly city. It's not a booming metropolis, but it's a place where you can build a comfortable, secure life and a meaningful career.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Rent and housing are exceptionally affordable.	Limited Job Market: Only ~211 jobs; less variety than major metros.
High Quality of Life: Easy commutes, access to nature, strong community.	Wage Growth Stagnation: Salaries may not keep pace with national averages over time.
Stable Major Employers: Hospitals and large health systems provide job security.	Harsh Winters: Significant snow and cold for 4-5 months per year.
Balance: Good work-life balance in most settings, especially non-retail.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: Smaller city with fewer big-city amenities.
Homeownership is Attainable: A realistic goal within a few years of practice.	-3% Job Growth: Indicates a mature, not expanding, market.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an excellent choice for pharmacists who:

• Are early to mid-career and want to maximize their savings and purchasing power.
• Value a stable, community-oriented lifestyle over the hustle and high costs of a major metro.
• Are interested in hospital or ambulatory care clinical roles (the most secure sectors here).
• Enjoy outdoor activities (hiking, biking, sailing) and a strong sports culture (Packers).

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