Registered Nurse in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As a Green Bay native and career analyst, I'll tell you straight up: the nursing pay here is solid for the cost of living. You won't get Chicago or Minneapolis money, but your paycheck stretches further. For Registered Nurses (RNs), the median salary is $84,030/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.4/hour. That's just under the national average of $86,070/year. When you factor in our lower housing costs and overall affordability, you're actually coming out ahead of many RNs in pricier metro areas.

The job market is stable but competitive. There are approximately 951 RN jobs in the Green Bay metro (which includes Brown, Outagamie, and Kewaunee counties). The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is in line with the national average but doesn't account for the wave of retirements we're seeing from the baby boomer generation of nurses. The real competition is for the coveted positions at the major health systems, but there's always demand for new graduates willing to work nights, weekends, and in specialty units.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Green Bay)	Key Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $78,000/year	All major systems, especially for Med/Surg, ICU, and L&D. St. Mary's often hires new grads in bulk.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$82,000 - $92,000/year	Bellin, HSHS, and Aurora seek experienced nurses for specialty roles (ER, Cath Lab, Oncology).
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $105,000/year	Leadership roles (Charge Nurse, Clinical Educator), specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN) are key.
Expert (15+ years)	$105,000+ (up to $120k in leadership)	Nurse Manager, Director, APRN roles. Highest pay is in management and advanced practice.

When you compare Green Bay to other Wisconsin cities, you see a clear pattern. Milwaukee and Madison salaries are higher ($88,000-$92,000 median), but your rent can be 40-60% higher. The Fox Cities (Appleton/Neenah) have very similar pay and cost of living. Eau Claire and La Crosse pay slightly less. For a balanced lifestyle, Green Bay offers a compelling value proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. On an $84,030 salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Wisconsin state income tax (3.5-4%), and FICA will be roughly $64,000 - $66,000 per year, or about $5,300 - $5,500 per month. That’s your starting point for all living expenses.

The biggest advantage in Green Bay is housing. The average rent for a 1BR apartment is $841/month. The overall Cost of Living Index is 92.1 (US avg = 100). This means your money goes about 8% further here than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single RN earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$841	A decent apartment in Ashwaubenon or Bellevue.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$200	Older buildings can have higher heating costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Required. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	Varies widely by employer.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Average for new nurses.
Retirement (403b/401k)	$350	Crucial. Start early.
Miscellaneous (Eating Out, Fun)	$400
Total	$3,041
Remaining/Savings	~$2,259/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $2,259/month in disposable income after a reasonable budget, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in the Green Bay metro is around $275,000. With a 10% down payment ($27,500), you could save that in under two years, even with conservative saving. A 30-year mortgage at 7% on $247,500 would be roughly $1,650/month (PITI), which is manageable on a $40.4/hour wage. Many nurses here own homes, often in the suburbs like Allouez, De Pere, or Suamico.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The healthcare scene is dominated by two major systems and a few key players. You're not just applying to a hospital; you're choosing a system's culture.

1. Bellin Health: The largest regional system, headquartered in Green Bay. They run Bellin Hospital, a major orthopedic and cardiac center. They have a strong focus on community health and integrated care. Hiring Trend: They are aggressively expanding their outpatient clinics and urgent care centers. They often hire for their "Booster" program for new grads, which provides extra support. Look for jobs in their Heart & Vascular Center and Orthopedic & Sports Medicine units.

2. HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center: Part of the Hospital Sisters Health System. A Level II Trauma Center and regional referral center for neonatal care (Level III NICU). Hiring Trend: They frequently have openings in their high-acuity units: Emergency Department, Trauma, and NICU. They are also known for their educational programs and often host nursing students from local colleges.

3. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: An Aurora Health Care facility. It's a tertiary care hospital with a strong focus on cancer care (Aurora Cancer Care) and neuroscience. Hiring Trend: They are a major employer for Oncology, Med/Surg, and Neurology nurses. Their Magnet designation attracts nurses looking for a culture of excellence and research.

4. Ascension Wisconsin (formerly Agnesian, now part of Ascension): While their main hospital is in Fond du Lac (45 mins south), they have a significant presence in the Green Bay area with clinics and urgent cares. Hiring Trend: They often have openings for Home Health and Hospice nurses, which can offer more schedule flexibility.

5. Green Bay Area Public School District: Don't overlook school nursing! There are over 20,000 students in the district. Hiring Trend: School nurse positions are competitive but stable, with a schedule that aligns perfectly with family life. You need a WI School Nurse certification on top of your RN license.

6. Local Clinics & Specialty Practices: The demand for nurses in outpatient settings is growing. Northland Dental, Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Associates, and various dermatology and pain management clinics are consistently hiring. These roles often offer regular business hours.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers use "internal job boards" that aren't posted publicly. If you're local, visit the career sections directly on their websites. For hospital jobs, a recruiter at the hospital often has more insight than a general Indeed posting.

Getting Licensed in WI

The process is straightforward but requires some planning. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees licensure.

Requirements:

1. Graduate from an accredited nursing program (ACEN or CCNE).
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Submit a background check. This is thorough. Any past charges will need to be evaluated.
4. Apply for the license through the DSPS online portal (eLicense WI).

Costs (Approximate):

• NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
• WI License Application Fee: $154.50 (as of 2023, subject to change)
• Background Check: $40
• Total Initial Cost: ~$400 - $500

Timeline:

• Post-Graduation to NCLEX: 2-3 months to study and apply.
• NCLEX to Official License: Once you pass, your license is typically issued within 2-3 business days if you applied online.
• Total Realistic Timeline: 4-6 months from graduation to holding a WI RN license.

Insider Tip: If you are licensed in another state, use the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Wisconsin is a member. If your permanent home state is in the NLC (like MN, IA, IL, etc.), you can practice in WI without applying for a new license. This is a huge advantage for travel nurses or those moving from neighboring states.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Green Bay is a city of distinct communities. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Ashwaubenon (West Side): The most popular area for young professionals and healthcare workers. It's home to Lambeau Field, Bay Park Square Mall, and a plethora of restaurants and bars. It's centrally located to Bellin and St. Mary's. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most hospitals. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.

2. De Pere (South of the River): A separate city with a more suburban, family-friendly vibe. Excellent schools and a charming downtown. It's a short drive to Aurora BayCare. Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown hospitals. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050/month for a 1BR.

3. Allouez (East Side): A quiet, established suburb with older, character-filled homes and tree-lined streets. It's very close to St. Mary's Hospital. Commute: 5-10 minutes to St. Mary's, 15-20 to others. Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.

4. Downtown Green Bay: The urban core is experiencing a renaissance. You'll be in the heart of the action, close to restaurants, the Fox River, and the Titletown District. Best if you want to bike or walk to work (if you're at St. Mary's). Commute: Walk or very short drive. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month for a modern 1BR/Loft.

5. Bellevue (Northeast Side): More affordable and residential. It's a 15-20 minute commute to the hospitals but offers more space for your money. Growing with new subdivisions and shops. Commute: 15-25 minutes. Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Green Bay long-term means specializing and moving up.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications directly boost your pay and marketability.
  • Critical Care (CCRN): +$3-5/hour.
  • Emergency (CEN): +$3-5/hour.
  • Oncology (OCN): +$2-4/hour.
  • Labor & Delivery (RNC-OB): +$2-4/hour.
• Advancement Paths: The classic ladder is RN -> Charge Nurse -> Nurse Manager -> Director. However, many nurses find better work-life balance and pay in Advanced Practice (NP/CRNA). Bellin and HSHS both have strong internal pathways for tuition reimbursement to get your Master's Degree.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the 6% growth and an aging population, job security is high. The biggest change will be the push for BSN degrees. While an ADN is still acceptable, most major hospitals now require BSNs for new hires or within 5 years of hire. If you have an ADN, plan to get your BSN online (UW-Green Bay offers a great program). The demand for telehealth and home health nurses will also grow.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your $84,030 salary goes far here.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a quiet, family-oriented city. For big concerts or diverse food, Milwaukee is a 2-hour drive.
Strong Job Market: Stable positions at respected employers.	Harsh Winters: Snow and cold from November to March. You need a reliable car with AWD and winter tires.
Short Commutes: Average 10-15 minutes, no matter where you live.	Limited Public Transit: A car is non-negotiable.
Sense of Community: Packers games are a unifying experience.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diverse than Milwaukee or Madison.
Work-Life Balance: Many nursing schedules allow for true time off.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Green Bay is an excellent choice for RNs who prioritize financial stability, a short commute, and a family-friendly lifestyle over urban excitement. It's ideal for new grads looking to start their careers, mid-career nurses seeking to buy a home, and experienced nurses who want to specialize without the stress of a massive city. If you're chasing the highest possible salary and a vibrant, diverse urban experience, you might find the pace too slow. But for the vast majority, Green Bay offers a balanced, fulfilling, and financially sound career path.

FAQs

1. What's the job market like for new graduates in Green Bay?
It's competitive, but there are opportunities. Major hospitals (Bellin, HSHS, Aurora) all have new graduate residency programs. These are highly structured and supportive. Apply early in your final semester. Be flexible on shifts (nights/weekends) to get your foot in the door.

2. Do I need a BSN to get hired here?
For the large hospitals, yes, it's becoming a strong preference or a requirement within a set timeframe. Many job postings now say "BSN required" or "BSN preferred with commitment to obtain within X years." An ADN will get you hired in smaller clinics or LTC facilities, but for hospital growth, plan on getting your BSN.

3. Is it easy to switch specialties once I'm here?
It depends on your experience. Moving from Med/Surg to the ER or ICU is easier if you have a few years of solid Med/Surg experience and get a certification (like ACLS). Hospitals are more likely to train you internally. Switching to a highly specialized area like L&D or NICU is harder without direct experience or a formal residency.

4. What's the typical nursing schedule like?
Most hospital nurses work 12-hour shifts (7a-7p or 7p-7a). You'll typically work three days a week, which leaves you with four days off. This is a huge perk. Common schedules are weekend-only programs, which offer a premium pay rate. Outpatient and clinic roles are typically Monday-Friday, 8a-5p.

5. How do I handle winter driving for my commute?
This is a critical practical detail. Invest in a set of dedicated winter tires (like Bridgestone Blizzaks) and a car with good clearance or AWD. Give yourself extra time. The city is very good at plowing main roads, but side streets can be icy. Most employers are understanding if you're late due to a major snowstorm, but communicate proactively.