Security Guard in Green Bay, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Green Bay Stands

As someone who’s lived in Green Bay for years and watched the job market ebb and flow, I can tell you straight: the salary for security guards here is modest, but the cost of living works in your favor. The median salary for a Security Guard in Green Bay is $35,283/year. If you break that down to an hourly wage, it comes to about $16.96/hour. For context, the national average for this role sits at $36,140/year, meaning we’re slightly below the U.S. median. That’s not unusual for a smaller metro area, but it’s a crucial number to have in your back pocket when negotiating or comparing offers.

Looking at the broader Wisconsin landscape, Green Bay sits in the middle of the pack. It’s not as high-paying as the Madison or Milwaukee metros, where demand and complexity (think corporate campuses, university security, or event security at major venues) can push wages higher. However, it’s also not the lowest; rural areas and smaller towns in the state often see even tighter pay scales. The key here is stability. There are 211 jobs specifically for Security Guards in the Green Bay metro area, which, given our population of 105,734, indicates a steady, consistent need rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Career progression in security is often tied to specialization and responsibility rather than dramatic salary jumps. The 10-year job growth projection for Security Guards in the U.S. is 3%, which is about as average as it gets. In Green Bay, this translates to consistent openings due to turnover and retirements, rather than explosive new growth. The real opportunity here isn’t in title changes but in gaining certifications and shifting into higher-paying roles like corporate security, loss prevention leadership, or armed guard positions (with proper licensing).

Here’s how experience typically maps to pay in our area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Green Bay, WI)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$31,000 - $34,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$34,000 - $38,000
Senior	8-15 years	$38,000 - $42,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$42,000 - $50,000+

Note: Ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards. Specialized roles (e.g., armed, supervisory) can exceed these figures.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be brutally honest about the math. A salary of $35,283/year isn’t lavish anywhere, but in Green Bay, it’s survivable. After federal taxes, state taxes (Wisconsin’s progressive system), and FICA, a single filer without dependents might take home roughly $28,000 - $29,000 annually, or about $2,300 - $2,400 per month. This is a critical calculation, and I’d strongly recommend using a Wisconsin-specific paycheck calculator to get your exact number before moving.

The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Green Bay is $841/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a security guard earning the median wage:

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,940
• Estimated Net (Take-Home): $2,350
• Rent (1BR Avg): $841
• Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet): $180 - $220
• Groceries: $300 - $350
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): $150 - $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $300 - $500
• Misc. (Phone, Personal): $150
• Total Estimated Expenses: $1,921 - $2,161
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Leisure: $189 - $429

This budget is tight but manageable, especially if you have a roommate or a spouse with a second income. The Cost of Living Index of 92.1 (US avg = 100) is your ally here. Your dollar goes about 8% further in Green Bay than the national average, which is primarily driven by the affordable housing market.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in the Green Bay metro area hovers around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000, which is a significant hurdle on this salary. A 5% down payment (~$12,500) is more attainable but leads to higher monthly payments (likely $1,500-$1,800 with taxes and insurance). Given the budget breakdown, a Security Guard earning the median salary would find it extremely difficult to qualify for a mortgage without a substantial down payment or a second income. Homeownership is likely a long-term goal requiring career advancement or dual-income households, not an immediate possibility for a single earner at this wage level.

Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The security job market in Green Bay isn’t dominated by one industry; it’s diversified, which provides stability. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Aurora BayCare Medical Center & Bellin Health: These are the two giants in our healthcare system. Hospitals are 24/7 operations requiring constant security for patient safety, asset protection, and staff assistance. Hiring is frequent, and they often offer better benefits packages than smaller companies. Shifts vary, including overnights, which can come with a small differential pay. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door here can be a gateway to higher-paying roles within the health system’s security department.

2. Green Bay Area Public School District & Local Private Schools: With dozens of schools across the city, there’s a steady demand for school security officers and monitors. This role often involves a mix of security duties and student interaction. It’s a daytime, Monday-Friday schedule, which is a huge perk for many. Pay is typically aligned with the district’s support staff salary scales.

3. Corporate & Industrial Security (S. C. Johnson & Son, Georgia-Pacific, Schneider National): Green Bay has a strong industrial base. The corporate headquarters of S. C. Johnson (in nearby Racine, but a major regional employer) and the Georgia-Pacific mill have significant security needs. Schneider National, a major transportation and logistics company, also has operations in the area requiring security for facilities and logistics hubs. These roles often pay at the higher end of the scale, especially for those with technical skills or experience in industrial settings.

4. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UW-Green Bay): The university campus is a bustling environment. Security roles here include campus safety officers, event security for sporting events (especially hockey and basketball), and dorm monitoring. It’s a great environment for someone who enjoys a dynamic, educational setting. The university also posts benefits for part-time positions, which is a rare find in this field.

5. Private Security Firms & Contract Services: Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas have contracts throughout the area, servicing everything from retail centers to construction sites. These are often the most accessible entry points. Hiring trends here can be volatile, tied to specific contract wins, but they provide essential experience. Insider Tip: Use a contract role to build your resume, then leverage that experience to apply for direct-hire positions with better stability and benefits.

6. Retail & Loss Prevention (Bay Park Square Mall, Target, Walmart): Loss prevention is a specialized security role. The Bay Park Square Mall and its surrounding big-box retailers are major employers. These positions focus on deterring theft and managing incidents. Pay can be comparable or slightly higher due to the direct impact on the company’s bottom line.

Hiring trends show a consistent need for officers willing to work non-traditional hours (overnights, weekends). The post-pandemic era has also seen an increased emphasis on security in healthcare and retail, making those sectors particularly stable.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has clear, mandatory licensing for security guards, and it’s not overly burdensome. The first step is understanding the difference between an unarmed and an armed guard. The vast majority of jobs in Green Bay are for unarmed guards, which is the right place to start.

State Requirements (Unarmed):
You must be at least 18, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions. The key requirement is completing a 4-hour pre-assignment training course from a state-approved school. This course covers state laws, use of force, and basic duties.

• Cost: The training typically costs between $75 and $150.
• Timeline: You can complete the course in a single day. After passing, you apply for your license through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The application fee is $50. Processing can take 2-4 weeks, so plan accordingly. You cannot legally work as a security guard until you have your license card in hand.

For Armed Guards:
The requirements are much stricter. You need all of the above, plus:

1. A 36-hour armed guard training course (approx. $300-$500).
2. A separate license application and fee ($75).
3. A current Wisconsin concealed carry permit.
   Armed security jobs are fewer in Green Bay and are typically found in high-value transport (bank courier), executive protection, or high-risk venues. They pay more but come with greater liability and stress.

Insider Tip: Even if you only plan to work unarmed, getting your concealed carry permit is a good career move. It keeps your options open and shows a higher level of commitment. The Green Bay area has several reputable training schools; a quick search for "Wisconsin security guard training" will point you to them. Many employers, especially hospitals and schools, will cover or reimburse your training costs if you commit to working for them.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Green Bay impacts your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that work well for security professionals, considering the need for shift work and reliable transportation.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Why It Works for Security Guards
Allouez	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. Central location, 10-15 min to downtown/medical centers.	$800 - $950	Stable, safe area with easy access to major employers like Aurora BayCare. Good for day or night shifts.
Ashwaubenon	Suburban, bustling. Home to the Bay Park Square Mall and Lambeau Field. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,000	High concentration of retail and events (Concerts, games), meaning more job options. Good infrastructure.
Downtown/Green Bay	Urban, walkable. Mix of apartments and older homes. Commute to jobs is often under 10 min.	$750 - $900	Ideal for those working at the courthouse, city buildings, or downtown businesses. Nightlife is accessible.
Bellevue	Growing suburb, more modern apartments. 15-25 min to most jobs.	$900 - $1,100	Newer construction, often with amenities. Good for those with a car. Slightly longer commute but more space.
De Pere (Just across the river)	College-town feel, very safe, walkable. 15-20 min to Green Bay jobs.	$825 - $975	A great alternative for a quieter vibe. Home to St. Norbert College, offering some campus security jobs.

Insider Tip: If you work overnight shifts, prioritize a neighborhood with low noise levels during the day for sleeping. Allouez and parts of De Pere are excellent for this. Always check the commute during your actual shift times (e.g., 10 PM to 6 AM) before signing a lease, as traffic and street lighting can be different.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnation is a risk in the low-wage security sector, but in Green Bay, you can avoid it with a strategic plan. The 10-year outlook of 3% growth means you must create your own advancement. Here’s how:

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization.

  • Armed Guard: As mentioned, this adds a premium, often $4-$7 more per hour.
  • Executive Protection: Requires advanced training and networking. Rare in Green Bay, but possible for those protecting local executives or visiting dignitaries.
  • Corporate Security Specialist: Moving from a generic guard to a role focused on risk assessment, cybersecurity awareness, or internal investigations for a company like Georgia-Pacific or Schneider can push you toward the $50,000+ mark.
  • Security Supervisor/Manager: After 5-7 years, aim for a supervisor role. This involves managing other guards, scheduling, and reporting. It’s the clearest path to a salary above the median.

• Adancement Paths:

  1. Contract Guard -> Direct-Hire: Start with Allied or Securitas to get experience. After a year, apply directly to a major employer (hospital, university) for better pay and benefits.
  2. General Guard -> Specialization: While working, get certified in CPR/AED, first aid, and maybe even a foundational IT security course (like CompTIA Security+). This makes you valuable to corporate clients.
  3. Field Guard -> Command Center: Some larger facilities have monitoring centers. Experience on the ground can lead to a role in dispatch and CCTV monitoring, which is often more stable and less physically demanding.

• 10-Year Outlook: In a decade, the role will likely involve more technology—drones, advanced surveillance software, and biometric access control. The guard who understands both physical security and basic tech will be invaluable. The jobs will remain, but the skill set will evolve. Building a network locally through the Wisconsin Professional Security Association (WPSA) can open doors to these advanced opportunities that never get posted on public job boards.

The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

This is a personal decision, but I can give you the unvarnished pros and cons based on the data and local context.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living Advantage: Your $35,283 salary goes further here than in most metros.	Low Median Salary: Below the national average, with limited immediate upside.
Stable Job Market: 211 jobs and consistent hiring from diversified employers.	Limited High-Value Specialties: Fewer armed or executive protection roles compared to big cities.
Manageable Commutes: Most neighborhoods are within a 20-minute drive of major employers.	Weather Challenges: Harsh winters can make outdoor security and commutes difficult.
Strong Healthcare & Education Sectors: These provide reliable, benefit-offering employers.	Career Advancement Requires Proactivity: The 3% growth means you must actively seek training and new roles.
Community Feel: Green Bay is a tight-knit city where relationships and reputation matter.	A Smaller Network: Fewer companies and security professionals to connect with.

Final Recommendation:
Green Bay is an excellent choice for a security guard who values stability, affordability, and a manageable lifestyle over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career professionals looking to start in a low-cost environment.
• Those with families who need reliable, steady work and good schools.
• Individuals seeking a work-life balance in a less hectic city.

It’s not the best choice for someone looking to climb the security ladder quickly into high-paying corporate or federal roles, or for those who are primarily motivated by income potential. If you’re a self-starter, willing to specialize, and can budget carefully on the $35,283 median, Green Bay can be a comfortable and rewarding place to build a security career.

FAQs

Q: Can I get a security job in Green Bay without any experience?
A: Yes. Many entry-level positions with contract firms or schools are open to those with a clean record and a Wisconsin security license. The 4-hour pre-assignment training is the only barrier to entry for most unarmed roles. Highlight any customer service or military experience on your resume.

Q: How do I find out about job openings?
A: Beyond standard sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, check the career pages directly of the major employers listed above (Aurora BayCare, Green Bay Schools, UW-Green Bay). Also, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website for local job postings. Networking through the WPSA is highly effective.

Q: Is it worth getting an armed guard license in Green Bay?
A: It depends on your goals. There are fewer armed positions, but they pay significantly more. If you are committed to the security field and want the highest earning potential, it’s worth the investment. For most, starting unarmed and gaining experience is the smarter first step.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for security guards in Green Bay?
A: Weather. Winters are long, cold, and snowy. Outdoor security posts can be brutal. When interviewing, ask about the work environment (indoor vs. outdoor) and heating facilities. Invest in high-quality winter gear—it’s non-negotiable.

Q: How does the rent compare to other Wisconsin cities?
A: Green Bay’s average 1BR rent of $841 is very competitive. It’s lower than Madison (~$1