Physical Therapist in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Green Bay offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for Physical Therapists. The cost of living is the real story here, allowing your paycheck to stretch further than in major metros, even if the raw numbers are slightly below the national average.

Let's break down the numbers. The median salary for a Physical Therapist in the Green Bay metro area is $97,346/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.8/hour. For context, the national average sits at $99,710/year, meaning Green Bay PTs earn about 2.4% less than their peers nationally. However, with a cost of living index of 92.1 (100 being the U.S. average), that pay goes significantly further. The metro area supports 211 jobs with a robust 10-year job growth projection of 14%, indicating strong, stable demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our market. Note that these are estimates based on local employer data and BLS trends.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$78,000 - $88,000	Often start in hospital systems (Bellin, HSHS) or large outpatient clinics. Starting pay is competitive but lower due to lower local cost of living.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$92,000 - $105,000	This is where the median $97,346 falls. Specialization (ortho, neuro) or a move to a senior staff PT or clinic manager role can push you to the top of this range.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$106,000 - $120,000	Often involves lead therapist roles, specialized clinics (e.g., vestibular, pelvic health), or positions at major employers like Prevea Health or the VA.
Expert/Specialist (15+ yrs)	$120,000+	Typically in niche private practice, director-level positions in large systems, or academic roles at UW-Green Bay.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. In Green Bay, employers like Bellin Health and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital often offer strong benefits packages, including public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility for roles in non-profit settings, which can be worth thousands over the life of a loan.

How Green Bay Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US=100)	Job Market Vibe
Green Bay	$97,346	92.1	Stable, community-focused, good work-life balance.
Milwaukee	~$106,000	102.2	Larger, more competitive, higher pay but higher cost.
Madison	~$104,000	105.0	Academic/tech influences, high demand but very competitive housing.
Appleton	~$98,000	93.5	Very similar to Green Bay, part of the same regional healthcare network.
Eau Claire	~$92,000	91.0	Slightly lower pay, even lower cost, strong community hospital presence.

While Milwaukee and Madison offer higher nominal salaries, the higher cost of living often erases that advantage. Green Bay and the Fox Cities (Appleton, Oshkosh) offer a sweet spot for value.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. For a single PT earning the median salary of $97,346 (assuming they file as Single, taking the standard deduction for 2024), the estimated take-home pay is approximately $72,000/year, or about $6,000/month (this is a pre-tax estimate and will vary based on retirement contributions, health insurance, etc.). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Green Bay is $841/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single PT in Green Bay:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Housing (1BR Apt)	$841	This is the city-wide average. You can find places closer to $750 on the east side or near St. Norbert College, or pay $1,100+ for a new loft in the Titletown District.
Utilities (Elec/Heat)	$120	Winters are cold; natural gas heating is common. Budget more from Nov-Mar.
Groceries	$350	Grocery costs are right at the national average. Shop at local chains like Festival Foods or Woodman's for better prices.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Crucial: Green Bay is a car-dependent city. Public transit is limited. Car ownership is non-negotiable for most.
Student Loans	$200 - $500	Varies widely. Enroll in an income-driven repayment plan and check for PSLF eligibility at non-profit employers.
Health Insurance	$150	Typically taken pre-tax, so this is an estimate of the employee portion.
Miscellaneous	$400	Dining, entertainment, gym, etc. Green Bay has a vibrant local scene (craft breweries, farmers' markets) that is relatively affordable.
Total Expenses	~$2,461
Monthly Surplus	~$3,539

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $3,500, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Green Bay is approximately $250,000. A 20% down payment ($50,000) could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. Homeownership is a common and attainable goal for PTs in Green Bay.

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Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The healthcare landscape in Green Bay is dominated by a few major players. Understanding their culture and hiring patterns is key.

1. Bellin Health: A massive local non-profit system. They have a huge outpatient orthopedic network, a major hospital, and specialize in sports medicine (they partner with the Green Bay Packers). Hiring is constant for inpatient and outpatient PTs. Insider Tip: They are known for a strong team culture but can be bureaucratic. Great for new grads seeking structured mentorship.

2. Prevea Health: A large multi-specialty group with deep roots in Green Bay (founded here). They have extensive outpatient clinics across the city. Hiring trends indicate growth in specialty areas like pelvic health and vestibular rehab. Insider Tip: Prevea often has more autonomy for PTs in their outpatient clinics compared to hospital-based settings.

3. HSHS St. Vincent Hospital: Part of the Hospital Sisters Health System. This is the primary Level II Trauma center in the region. Inpatient rehab, acute care, and ICU PT roles are based here. Insider Tip: Night and weekend shifts are common in inpatient roles and often come with shift differentials, boosting effective pay.

4. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: A 167-bed acute care hospital on the city's east side. They have a strong inpatient rehab unit and outpatient neurology/orthopedics clinics. Part of the Advocate Aurora Health system, which offers statewide resources.

5. UW Health (UW-Green Bay): While the main campus is in Madison, their Green Bay location offers specialized services. They often partner with the university's Kinesiology department, creating opportunities for hybrid clinical/academic roles.

6. The VA Outpatient Clinic (Green Bay): The Veterans Affairs clinic provides stable, federal employment. Hiring can be slower due to the federal process, but benefits are excellent (including PSLF). They focus on both orthopedic and chronic disease management.

7. Local Private Practices: Dozens of small, specialized clinics exist, such as Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy or Bay Area Physical Therapy. These offer a more intimate setting and may provide higher pay potential for seasoned specialists, but less formal structure.

Hiring Trend Insight: The 14% growth is driven by an aging population and a focus on outpatient rehab to reduce hospital readmissions. There's also rising demand for home health PTs, though that requires more travel and autonomy.

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Getting Licensed in WI

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees licensure. Here’s the step-by-step process.

Requirements:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited Physical Therapy program.
2. Exam: Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT).
3. Jurisprudence: Pass the Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam (online).
4. Background Check: Complete a criminal background check via the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Costs (Estimate):

• Wisconsin Licensure Application Fee: $180
• FSBPT NPTE Exam Fee: $485
• Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam: $50
• Background Check: $45
• Total Estimated Cost: ~$760 (not including travel for the NPTE if taken at a test center).

Timeline:

• Immediate: You can apply for a temporary permit to work under supervision while awaiting exam results, which is common for new grads.
• Standard: The entire process from graduation to full licensure typically takes 3-6 months.
• Key Insight: The Wisconsin DSPS website is your best resource. Start the application as soon as you graduate. The process is straightforward but can be slow; plan your move around this.

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Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Where you live in Green Bay impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is divided by the Fox River, with distinct vibes on each side.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Best For...
East Side	Family-friendly, quiet, with good schools. Close to Bellin Hospital and many outpatient clinics. Commute is easy via I-43.	$800 - $950	PTs looking to buy a home, wanting space, and preferring a suburban feel.
Downtown/Titletown	Urban, walkable, and energetic. Home to the iconic Lambeau Field and the growing Titletown District (restaurants, shops). Commute is central.	$1,100 - $1,600+	Younger PTs or those without kids who want a vibrant social scene and an easy commute to downtown employers.
Astor Park/Allouez	Upscale, quiet, and very residential. Located on the west side of the river. Close to HSHS St. Vincent and Prevea clinics.	$900 - $1,100	Professionals seeking a peaceful, safe neighborhood with easy access to major hospitals.
Howard/Suamico	North of the city limits, offering more rural/suburban space. Home prices are lower here. Commute to hospitals is 15-20 minutes.	$750 - $900	PTs who want more land, newer housing, and don't mind a short commute.
Near St. Norbert College	Collegiate, quiet, and affordable. On the west side, close to the college and a short drive to HSHS St. Mary's.	$700 - $850	New grads or those saving for a home; a budget-friendly option with a quieter vibe.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Green Bay is rarely an issue. A "bad commute" is 20 minutes. Prioritize your desired lifestyle (urban vs. suburban) over minimizing commute time, as all options are reasonable.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Green Bay is not a high-cost, high-bonus market, but it offers very stable growth paths.

Specialty Premiums: Specializing can significantly boost your marketability and pay.

• Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS): Highly valued in the sprawling outpatient network. Can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary.
• Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS): In demand at HSHS St. Vincent (stroke rehab) and Aurora BayCare. Premium is similar to OCS.
• Pelvic Health & Vestibular Rehab: Emerging specialties with less competition. Pioneering this in a local clinic can lead to a very lucrative niche.
• Pediatric PT: Specialized roles exist at Bellin Health Pediatrics and private clinics, but demand is more limited than adult orthopedics.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical: Staff PT → Senior Staff PT → Lead Therapist → Clinic Director. Most major employers have this ladder.
2. Educational: Becoming a clinical instructor for students from UW-Green Bay's Kinesiology program or other regional universities is common and often comes with a stipend.
3. Home Health/Home Care: A common path for experienced PTs seeking higher pay through productivity incentives and autonomy. Companies like Home Instead or Comfort Keepers are local players.
4. Academia: While there are no PT schools in Green Bay, UW-Green Bay's Kinesiology department occasionally hires adjunct faculty.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 14% Growth): The market will remain strong. The aging population is a guarantee. However, growth may be concentrated in outpatient orthopedics, home health, and specialty niches (pelvic, vestibular). Generalist inpatient roles will remain stable but may not see as much expansion. To stay competitive, plan to earn a specialty certification within your first decade.

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The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Salary stretches far; home ownership is very attainable.	Car-Dependent City: Limited public transit; you will need a car.
Stable Job Market: Strong, growing demand from major non-profit health systems.	Salaries Slightly Below National Average: You trade top-tier pay for a lower-cost lifestyle.
Work-Life Balance: No traffic, a strong community feel, and a culture that values time outside of work.	Cold, Winters: Long, snowy winters can be a challenge if you're from a warmer climate.
Strong Sense of Community: Being a "local" matters. You're part of the Packers family by default.	Limited "Buzz": It's not a trendy, high-growth tech city. The scene is more about local pride and simplicity.
Opportunity to Specialize: Be a pioneer in a niche area with less competition than in large metros.	Limited Diversity of Practice: You won't find the same breadth of cutting-edge research or rare specialty clinics as in a top-10 metro.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an ideal choice for a PT who values stability, affordability, and community over chasing the highest possible salary. It's perfect for someone looking to purchase a home early, start a family, and build a long-term career in a supportive environment. It's less ideal for those who crave a fast-paced, diverse, and highly competitive academic or research-focused career.

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FAQs

1. I have a spouse/partner who is not a PT. How easy is it for them to find a job?
Green Bay's economy is diversified beyond healthcare. Major employers include Schneider National (trucking), Georgia-Pacific (paper), and Associated Bank. The unemployment rate is typically low, and the market is stable. It's generally easy for partners to find professional or skilled trade work.

2. Is it true that the Packers organization influences the local PT job market?
Indirectly, yes. The Packers' presence has made Green Bay a hub for sports medicine. Clinics like Bellin Health's Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center see high-profile athletes and have a reputation for excellence. This boosts the overall quality of orthopedic rehab and creates a demand for PTs with sports-related experience or certifications (SCS).

3. What about the cost of malpractice insurance?
In Wisconsin, malpractice insurance is typically covered by your employer, especially for hospital-based or large system positions. If you plan to start a private practice, rates for a Physical Therapist are generally reasonable in the state, often between $500 - $1,200/year for a basic policy. Always confirm details with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

4. How important is it to learn about the local culture?
Very. Green Bay is a unique place with a tight-knit community. Employers and patients appreciate professionals who understand and respect the local culture—like the importance of Packers game day, the pride in local institutions (UW-Green Bay, St. Norbert College), and the value of personal relationships. Showing you're invested in the community, not just a temporary stop, will help your career.

5. Can I survive without a car?
It is extremely difficult. Public bus service (Green Bay Metro) exists but is not comprehensive. Many clinics are in suburban strip malls or parks unreachable by transit. For reliable commuting, especially with variable clinic schedules (evenings, weekends), owning a car is a practical necessity.