Project Manager in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Green Bay’s salary landscape for Project Managers is solid, especially when you factor in the city’s low cost of living. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $98,879/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.54/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but don’t let that fool you—your purchasing power in Green Bay is significantly higher.

When you look at the job market, the metro area has 211 Project Manager jobs at any given time, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. It’s not explosive growth, but it’s steady, which is what you want in a stable city like Green Bay. Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Green Bay holds its own. Milwaukee has higher salaries (closer to the national average), but the cost of living there is also much steeper. Madison, anchored by the state government and University of Wisconsin, has more specialized roles, but competition is fierce. In Green Bay, the pay is respectable, and the competition is more manageable.

Here’s a breakdown of salaries by experience level, based on local job postings and market data:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	Project Coordinator, Jr. PM	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Mid-Career	Project Manager, IT PM	$90,000 - $110,000	$43.27 - $52.88
Senior	Senior PM, Program Manager	$115,000 - $135,000	$55.29 - $64.90
Expert/Lead	Director of PMO, Portfolio Manager	$140,000+	$67.31+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary and local job market trends. The $98,879 median sits comfortably in the mid-career range.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Taking home $98,879/year means your monthly take-home pay (after federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes) is approximately $5,900 - $6,100. The exact amount varies based on your W-4 withholding and other factors, but we’ll use $6,000/month for this exercise.

Green Bay’s average 1-bedroom rent is $841/month. That’s a fraction of what you’d pay in a major coastal city. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,000	After taxes
Rent (1BR Apt)	-$841	Average for metro area
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$180	Varies by season
Groceries	-$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Assuming a moderate car payment + full coverage
Gas/Transportation	-$150	Green Bay is car-dependent
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$300	Premium contribution
Retirement (401k - 6%)	-$495	Pre-tax, essential for long-term growth
Discretionary (Dining, Fun, Shopping)	-$1,200	Leftover for everything else
Savings/Investment	$1,984	Buffer for emergencies, goals

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,984/month in discretionary savings, a down payment is within reach. The median home price in the Green Bay metro area is approximately $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), you could save that in under two years with disciplined budgeting. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would be roughly $1,580/month (including taxes and insurance), which is higher than rent but feasible on this salary, especially if you go in with a partner or increase your down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

Green Bay’s economy is anchored by healthcare, manufacturing, paper, and—of course—sports. Project Managers are needed across these sectors, but the demand is concentrated. Here are the key players:

1. Bellin Health: A major regional healthcare system. They constantly are implementing new electronic health record (EHR) systems, building clinics, and managing facility expansions. They look for PMs with healthcare IT and construction experience. Hiring trends suggest steady growth in their IT and facility management departments.
2. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: Part of the Advocate Aurora Health network. Similar to Bellin, they have ongoing projects for medical tech, hospital wing updates, and process improvement. Their projects are often large-scale and require PMs who can navigate complex regulatory environments.
3. Schneider National: A giant in the transportation and logistics industry, headquartered in Green Bay. They need PMs for IT infrastructure, fleet technology (like telematics and autonomous software), and facility projects. This is a prime spot for tech-savvy PMs.
4. Green Bay Packaging, Inc.: A local, family-owned giant in paper and packaging. They have continuous capital projects for new machinery, plant expansions, and sustainability initiatives. Requires PMs with a manufacturing or industrial engineering background.
5. Georgia-Pacific (Broadway Mill): A major paper mill operator. Projects here are heavy on industrial engineering, safety compliance, and environmental upgrades. This is a niche for PMs with specific manufacturing experience.
6. The Green Bay Packers (and associated businesses): While the team itself has a small corporate office, the ecosystem around it is enormous. Lambeau Field renovations, Titletown District development, and associated hospitality/tech projects create PM roles, though these are competitive and often require a network.
7. State of Wisconsin (Various Agencies): With a significant state office in Green Bay, there are project roles in IT, infrastructure, and public works. These jobs offer great benefits and stability but follow state hiring processes.

Insider Tip: The most consistent hiring isn't always publicly posted on major job boards. Many local companies, especially in manufacturing and healthcare, rely on word-of-mouth and LinkedIn. Joining the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of PMI is a critical networking move for local job leads.

Getting Licensed in WI

Project Management is not a licensed profession in Wisconsin like medicine or law, but certifications are the currency of the trade. The key is certification, not state licensure.

1. PMP (Project Management Professional): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. The exam cost is $405 for PMI members ($555 for non-members). To apply, you need 36 months of leading projects with a 4-year degree, or 60 months without. The process takes 1-3 months of study and application.
2. CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): This is the entry-level version from PMI. Great for those new to the field. Cost: $225 for members ($300 non-members). Requires a secondary degree and 23 hours of project management education.
3. Agile Certifications (CSM, SAFe): If you're in software or tech, certifications from Scrum Alliance or Scaled Agile, Inc. are valuable. Costs range from $995 (CSM) to $1,595 (SAFe Agilist) for the training and exam.
4. State-Specific Requirements: For public sector projects, especially with state funding, you may need to be familiar with the Wisconsin State Building Code and DNR regulations if your projects touch the environment. There’s no license for this, but knowledge is key.

Timeline: If you start today, you could be PMP-certified within 4-6 months. Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for certifications.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Your commute and lifestyle matter. Green Bay is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Here’s the lay of the land:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown / Astor Park	Urban, walkable, near restaurants and bars. Commute to most offices is 5-10 min.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want an active social life.
Allouez / East Side	Residential, family-friendly, near St. Vincent Hospital and Bay Beach. Quiet. Commute 10-15 min.	$800 - $1,000	Those wanting a quiet, established community.
Ashwaubenon	Suburban, modern apartments, close to Lambeau Field and Titletown District. Very safe. Commute 10-15 min.	$950 - $1,300	Sports fans and those seeking newer amenities.
De Pere	Separate city, feel of a small town. Excellent schools, vibrant Main Street. Commute 15-20 min to downtown GB.	$850 - $1,100	Families or those wanting a classic Midwestern small-city feel.
Howard / Suamico	More rural/suburban, larger lots, lower density. Commute 20-25 min to downtown GB.	$750 - $950	Those who want more space and don't mind the drive.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Green Bay. The only real "rush hour" is on I-41 during the 5 o'clock news. A 20-minute commute is considered long by local standards. Prioritize your lifestyle over a tiny commute difference.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Green Bay, career growth for Project Managers is often about specialization and internal networking. The path isn’t just up; it’s sideways into niches.

• Specialty Premiums: PMP-certified PMs can command 10-15% higher salaries. Specializing in IT (especially for manufacturing or healthcare) or Agile methodologies can push you toward the $115,000+ range. PMs who understand manufacturing processes (like Lean or Six Sigma) are highly valued at companies like Green Bay Packaging and Georgia-Pacific.
• Advancement Paths: A standard path is: Project Coordinator → IT/Construction PM → Senior PM → Program/Portfolio Manager. To get to the Director level ($140,000+), you often need to move into a leadership role in a PMO (Project Management Office) and demonstrate strategic business impact, not just project delivery.
• 10-Year Outlook: The projected 6% job growth is modest but reliable. The key will be in IT and infrastructure projects. As Green Bay’s major employers modernize, the demand for PMs who can bridge old-school manufacturing/healthcare with new technology will rise. The biggest threat to local growth is economic downturns affecting manufacturing and paper, which are cyclical. However, healthcare and logistics (Schneider) provide a strong, stable counterweight.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Here’s the honest, local breakdown:

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further.	Limited Job Market: Only 211 jobs, so fewer opportunities than a major city.
Stable, Growing Employers: Healthcare and logistics provide stability.	Industry Concentration: If you don't fit manufacturing/healthcare, options are slim.
Minimal Traffic & Short Commutes: You gain time back in your day.	Limited "Prestige" Roles: Few Fortune 500 HQs; most roles are in middle management.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to integrate, friendly people.	Cultural & Social Scene: It’s not a metropolis; options are more limited.
Outdoor Recreation: Unbeatable access to lakes, rivers, and forests.	Winters are Long & Harsh: A significant lifestyle factor for newcomers.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an ideal choice for a Project Manager who values work-life balance and financial stability over a high-stress, high-cost urban career. It’s perfect for mid-career PMs looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply slow down the pace. It’s not the place for someone seeking a rapid, high-growth career in tech or aiming for a VP role at a global firm. If you fit the former, Green Bay offers a quality of life that’s hard to beat for the salary you’ll earn.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Project Managers in Green Bay?
It’s moderately competitive. With only 211 jobs, openings don’t stay open for months, but you’re not competing against thousands of applicants like in Chicago. Having a PMP and local networking (via PMI or LinkedIn) significantly increases your chances. Tailor your resume to manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics.

2. Do I need a car in Green Bay?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited. The bus system (Green Bay Metro) runs on main routes but doesn’t offer the flexibility needed for a professional commute or running errands. A reliable car is a must.

3. What’s the best time of year to apply for jobs?
Hiring is fairly consistent, but you’ll see a spike in late winter/early spring (Feb-April) as companies finalize budgets for the year. Avoid applying around major holidays (late Nov-Dec) and during the heart of summer (mid-July to Aug), when many locals take vacation.

4. Are there remote PM roles with Green Bay-based companies?
Yes, especially post-pandemic. Schneider National and Aurora BayCare have embraced hybrid models. However, many manufacturing and construction roles require significant on-site presence. It’s a growing trend, but not the default.

5. How important is local experience?
It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s a huge advantage. Companies value PMs who understand local regulations, vendor networks, and the business culture. If you’re new to the area, emphasize your adaptability and research you’ve done on Green Bay’s key industries during your interview. Mentioning the Northeast Wisconsin PMI chapter shows you’re already integrating.