Real Estate Agent in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

Thinking about Green Bay as a real estate agent? First, let's talk numbers. The data gives us a clear, if modest, snapshot. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and aggregated local market data, the median salary for a Real Estate Agent in the Green Bay metro area is $60,022 per year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $28.86 per hour. This places Green Bay slightly below the national average of $61,480 for the profession. It's a slight dip, but one that's largely offset by the city's low cost of living.

When we look at the job market, it's stable but not booming. There are approximately 211 jobs for real estate agents in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn't a high-growth, recruitment frenzy market like some booming sunbelt cities. It's a steady, relationship-driven economy where success is built on local knowledge and repeat business. The metro population of 105,734 supports a consistent, but not explosive, demand for housing.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in this market. This isn't a rigid corporate ladder; it's a spectrum based on hustle, niche specialization, and market savvy.

Career Stage	Typical Experience	Estimated Annual Income (Pre-Tax)	Key Characteristics in Green Bay
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $55,000	Building a client base from scratch, typically working with a mentor or on a team. Heavily reliant on referrals from friends, family, and your brokerage's existing network.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $75,000	Established local network, consistent client flow, and a solid understanding of specific neighborhoods (e.g., Allouez vs. Howard). Likely a top producer in your brokerage.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$75,000 - $100,000+	Niche expertise (luxury homes on the bay, investment properties, historic homes), commanding referral business, and potentially a team lead. Income heavily dependent on volume and price point.

Compared to other Wisconsin cities: Green Bay sits in the middle of the pack. Milwaukee and Madison, with larger populations and more diverse economies, see higher median salaries (often $65,000 - $75,000). However, the cost of living in those cities is significantly higher. Cities like Appleton or Eau Claire may see slightly lower median salaries but also a lower cost of living. The key for Green Bay is the stability of the Packers organization and associated businesses, which provides a unique economic anchor that keeps the housing market relatively steady, even in national downturns.

Insider Tip: Don't fixate on the median. In Green Bay, your income is a direct function of your hyper-local knowledge. An agent who can speak authoritatively about the property tax nuances between De Pere and Ashwaubenon, or the flood plain regulations for homes near the Fox River, will outperform the median every time.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $60,022 sounds decent, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let's break down the monthly budget for a single agent living in Green Bay.

Using the provided average 1BR rent of $841/month and the Cost of Living Index of 92.1 (which is 7.9% below the U.S. average), here’s a realistic post-tax monthly budget.

• Gross Monthly Income: $60,022 / 12 = $5,002
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (after ~22% for taxes, self-employment tax, and retirement contribution): $3,900
• Monthly Budget Breakdown:
  • Rent (1BR): $841
  • Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180
  • Groceries: $350
  • Health Insurance (Major Medical): $350
  • Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Green Bay is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
  • Professional Dues/Marketing (MLS, E&O Insurance, Social Media Ads): $250
  • Miscellaneous & Savings: $1,429

This leaves a healthy buffer for savings, discretionary spending, and reinvesting in your business. The $92.1 Cost of Living Index is your biggest ally here. The same $60,022 that feels tight in Chicago or Minneapolis goes surprisingly far in Green Bay.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $1,429 monthly surplus, a disciplined agent can save a significant down payment in 2-3 years. The median home price in the Green Bay metro is around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000. Saving $1,500/month gets you there in under three years. As a real estate agent, you'll also have access to down payment assistance programs and potentially builder relationships, giving you an edge in the local market. Owning a home isn't just a personal milestone; it's a powerful tool for building local credibility and referrals.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

While most real estate agents are independent contractors, the health of the local economy dictates job opportunities. Your client base isn't just individuals; it's the employees and contractors of these major local employers.

1. Green Bay Packers & Lambeau Field: The economic engine of the city. Beyond the team's 1,300+ employees, the stadium hosts 10-12 NFL games plus countless concerts, conventions, and private events, drawing thousands of visitors. This creates a consistent need for short-term rentals, executive housing, and housing for stadium-area employees. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a constant influx of seasonal and event staff.

2. Bellin Health: A major regional health system with a flagship hospital in Green Bay and clinics across the region. It employs over 1,500 people. Hiring Trend: Consistently growing, especially in nursing, allied health, and IT. These are stable, middle-to-upper-income jobs, creating demand for single-family homes in nearby suburbs.

3. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: Another major healthcare provider, part of the larger Advocate Aurora Health system. It's a key employer on the city's east side, employing over 1,200 people. Hiring Trend: Similar to Bellin, steady growth in clinical and support roles. Agents should track the expansion of medical office parks, as they indicate new employee hubs.

4. Schneider National: A Fortune 500 trucking and logistics company headquartered in Green Bay. It employs over 2,200 people in the area. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but generally stable. Schneider's corporate campus on Green Bay's east side is a major cluster of white-collar jobs, from logistics analysts to corporate marketing, creating demand for nearby housing.

5. Georgia-Pacific (Koch Industries): The Green Bay mill is one of the largest employers in the state, producing paper and pulp products. It employs over 1,800 people, many in skilled trades and engineering roles. Hiring Trend: Modernizing and stable. The mill's presence supports the residential market on the city's west side and in nearby De Pere.

6. Nicolet National Bank: A major regional bank headquartered in Green Bay. As the financial center of the region grows, so does the need for banking professionals. Hiring Trend: Aggressive growth. Nicolet has been expanding its footprint, which translates to more corporate hires and a robust local economy.

Insider Insight: Don't just know the employers; know their campuses. Schneider's HQ is on the east side near I-43. Bellin's main hospital is centrally located on the east side. The Packers' Lambeau Field is in the Allouez/Ashwaubenon border. Knowing the commute times and neighborhood preferences for employees of each major employer is a competitive advantage.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a straightforward, but mandatory, process to become a licensed real estate agent. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees licensing.

Requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Have a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent (or foreign equivalent).
3. Complete 72 hours of approved pre-license education from a recognized provider (e.g., Real Estate Express, Kaplan, or local schools like NWTC).
4. Pass the Wisconsin Real Estate Exam (national and state portions).
5. Submit a license application with the DSPS.
6. Undergo a criminal background check.

Timeline & Costs:

• Pre-Licensing Course: Can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks full-time or 3-4 months part-time. Cost: $400 - $600.
• Exam Fee: $65 (paid to the testing center, Pearson VUE).
• Application Fee: $75 (paid to DSPS).
• Background Check Fee: $40 (paid to Wisconsin Dept. of Justice).
• Total Upfront Cost: Approx. $580 - $780. This does not include ongoing costs like E&O insurance, MLS fees, or marketing.

Insider Tip: Take the course in person if possible. Local providers (like NWTC) often have connections to local brokerages and can offer better networking opportunities than online-only courses. The exam is passable, but the state-specific content on Wisconsin laws and regulations is critical. Don't just memorize; understand the "why" behind the rules.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Choosing where to live is about balancing your commute, client base, and lifestyle. Here’s a guide to key Green Bay neighborhoods.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Ideal For Agent Type	Avg. 1BR Rent
Downtown / Astor Park	Walkable, urban, young professional. Close to breweries, restaurants, and the Fox River. 10-15 min commute to east side employers.	Agent who wants to build a social network, focuses on urban condos/lofts, and enjoys a vibrant scene.	$900 - $1,100
Allouez	Family-oriented, quiet, established suburbs. Borders Lambeau Field. Close to Bellin Health. 10-20 min commute to most areas.	Agent focusing on the family market, starter homes, and leveraging the Packers' proximity. High referral potential.	$800 - $950
Howard / De Pere (West Side)	Suburban, family-friendly, excellent schools. Growing rapidly with new developments. 15-25 min commute to east side.	Agent who wants to specialize in new construction and the growing western suburbs. Very family-focused business.	$750 - $900
East Side (Nicolet Area)	Established, upscale, near Schneider HQ and major hospitals. Close to Bay Park Square mall. 10-15 min commute to most offices.	Agent targeting mid-to-upper-middle class families and corporate relocations. Stable, high-income client base.	$850 - $1,050
Ashwaubenon	Mixed-use, bustling near Lambeau, quieter in residential areas. Great for buyers wanting amenities. 10-15 min commute.	Agent who wants a central location with easy access to clients from all sectors (Packers, healthcare, corporate).	$800 - $1,000

Insider Tip: Allouez is a secret weapon for new agents. Its boundaries are clear, the housing stock is classic, and the constant flow of Packers-related activity provides endless conversation starters and networking opportunities at local grocery stores and parks.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% job growth projection underscores that Green Bay rewards specialization and longevity. Here’s how to grow your income and influence.

• Specialty Premiums: Generalists struggle; specialists thrive.

  • Luxury & Waterfront: The Fox River and Lake Michigan shoreline create a premium market. Agents with expertise in historic homes (like those in the Fort Howard Historic District) or waterfront properties can command higher commissions. This can push income from the median $60k to $90k+.
  • Investment Properties: With a stable rental market and the constant influx of temporary workers (for event staff, construction, etc.), there's a niche for agents who understand multi-family units and short-term rental regulations.
  • Relocation Specialist: Working directly with HR departments at Schneider, Bellin, and the Packers to ease the transition for new hires and their families. This is a B2B approach that guarantees repeat business.

• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is independent, but new models are emerging:

  1. Solo Practitioner: Maximum control, but you bear all costs and marketing.
  2. Team Member: Join a top-performing team. You get leads and mentorship but split commissions. Great for mid-career growth.
  3. Team Lead: Start your own team, leveraging others' efforts for a percentage. This is where six-figure earnings become common.
  4. Brokerage Owner: The pinnacle, requiring deep capital and business acumen. In a market of 211 agents, owning a boutique brokerage can be highly profitable.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth is slow but solid. The Green Bay market will not see explosive gains, but it will offer consistent, reliable income for those who build deep roots. The key driver will be the continued stability of the Packers and healthcare systems. Agents who adapt to technology (virtual tours, digital marketing) while maintaining the crucial "handshake" deal culture will be most successful.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros & Cons Analysis

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,022 salary goes much further than in major metros.	Lower Median Salary: Slightly below the national average. You must be a top performer to exceed it.
Stable Economy: The Packers and major healthcare systems provide a recession-resistant economic base.	Slower Job Growth: 3% growth isn't dynamic. Career advancement requires hustling for niche markets.
Strong Community & Referrals: A "city of neighborhoods" where reputation is everything. Word-of-mouth is powerful.	Car-Dependent City: You'll need a reliable vehicle, which adds to expenses. Public transit is limited.
Manageable Market Size: It's easier to become an expert in the entire metro area compared to a city like Chicago.	Limited Luxury Market: While it exists, the high-end market is smaller than in Milwaukee or Madison.
Unique Culture: The Packers are a nationwide brand, giving agents a unique networking hook.	Cold Winters: A significant lifestyle factor for anyone not used to Wisconsin winters.

Final Recommendation:

Green Bay is an excellent choice for a real estate agent who values stability, community, and a high quality of life over chasing explosive, high-risk growth markets. It is ideal for:

• Mid-career agents looking to build a predictable, referral-based business.
• New agents willing to grind for 2-3 years to establish a network in a less competitive field.
• Agents relocating from high-cost areas who want to stretch their savings and build equity.

If you're a "hustler" who wants to get rich quick in a hot, speculative market, look elsewhere. But if you're a "builder" who wants to lay down roots, become a local expert, and build a sustainable career on trust and relationships, Green Bay offers a uniquely supportive environment. The numbers support a solid living, and the city's character supports a fulfilling one.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a Packers fan to succeed?
Not at all, but you need to be knowledgeable. Understanding the team's schedule, the economic impact of Lambeau, and the history of the franchise is a massive networking asset. You don't have to love football, but you must respect its role in the city's identity.

2. How competitive is the market with only 211 agents?
It's less about the number of agents and more about their focus. Many agents work part-time or for a single brokerage. The competition for a full-time, dedicated client base is manageable, but you must differentiate yourself with a specific niche or neighborhood expertise.

3. Is the market dominated by a few big brokerages?
No. Green Bay has a healthy mix of large, national franchises (Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker) and successful local, independent brokerages. This gives you options in terms of brokerage culture, training, and commission splits. Interview multiple brokerages before joining.

4. What's the biggest mistake new agents make here?
Trying to be a generalist. Green Bay is a city of neighborhoods. An agent who says they serve "all of Green Bay" is often seen as an expert in none. Pick 2-3 core neighborhoods, learn them inside and out (school districts, walkability, property tax rates), and become the go-to agent there.

5. How do I get my first client?
Start with your Sphere of Influence (SOI). Tell everyone you know you're now a licensed agent. Then, hit the pavement. Attend community events (farmers markets, concerts in the park), volunteer with local organizations, and visit local businesses