Social Worker 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, salary landscape for social workers. It’s a city where your paycheck stretches further than in major coastal hubs, but you still need to know the numbers. The median salary for a Social Worker here is $59,417/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.57. Compared to the national average of $60,860, Green Bay sits just slightly below the curve—about 2.4% less. That’s a typical trade-off for a lower cost of living in the Upper Midwest.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. These are composite figures based on local job postings and BLS data for the region (Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metro Area, which is closely aligned with Brown County).

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Green Bay)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Case management, intake assessments, direct client services under supervision.
Mid-Career (4-8 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent caseload management, group facilitation, some program coordination.
Senior (9-15 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Supervision of staff/teams, complex case oversight, policy development, specialty focus.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Director-level roles, clinical supervision (LCSW), agency administration, grant management.

How does this stack up against other Wisconsin cities? Green Bay is more affordable than Madison or Milwaukee, where salaries might be 5-10% higher but rents can be 30-40% more. For example, a mid-career social worker in Milwaukee might earn $62,000, but their rent for a comparable 1-bedroom could be $1,200 versus Green Bay’s $841. In smaller, rural Wisconsin towns, salaries often dip below $55,000, but the trade-off is a slower pace and different community dynamics.

Insider Tip: In Green Bay, your specialty matters more than just years of experience. A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) providing therapy can earn a 10-20% premium over a generalist case manager. An MSW with a focus on healthcare (especially at Bellin Health or Prevea) often commands a starting salary closer to $55,000.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A $59,417 salary sounds manageable, but what’s left for groceries, utilities, and savings? Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single Social Worker in Green Bay, factoring in taxes and the local cost of living.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after taxes): ~$3,700
(This is an approximation for a single filer with no dependents, using federal, state, and FICA taxes. Your actual take-home will vary.)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR, Average)	$841	This is the citywide median. A newer apartment in Allouez might be $950, while an older unit in the East Side can be under $750.
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, and basic internet. Older buildings in neighborhoods like the East Side can have higher heating bills in winter.
Groceries	$400	Green Bay has reasonable grocery prices. Shop at Metro Market for quality, or Save-A-Lot for budget basics. The farmers' market at Bay Beach is a summer staple.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Public transit (Green Bay Metro) is limited. Most residents drive. Insurance rates are moderate (~$120-$150/month).
Health Insurance (employer share)	$200	Varies widely, but this is a common employee contribution.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$1,629	This covers dining out, entertainment, student loans, and savings. It’s a healthy buffer, proving Green Bay’s affordability.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The home-buying market in Green Bay is one of its biggest draws. The median home price is around $230,000. With a 10% down payment ($23,000), a monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) would be roughly $1,300-$1,400, including taxes and insurance. That’s less than many rent prices in larger cities and is certainly feasible on a $59,417 salary, especially with a dual-income household. Many social workers I know buy homes in their first 5 years here.

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Where the Jobs Are: Green Bay's Major Employers

The job market here is stable, with 211 social work positions in the metro area. Hiring is steady, not explosive, so networking is key. Here are the major players:

1. Bellin Health: A major healthcare system and one of the largest employers in the region. They hire Medical Social Workers for their hospital, family health clinics, and behavioral health services. Hiring trends are positive due to growing demand for integrated care. Insider Tip: They often post jobs directly on their website before third-party sites.

2. Prevea Health: Another huge healthcare provider, part of the HSHS hospital network. They have a strong outpatient behavioral health division. Look for roles in addiction counseling, family therapy, and community health. They value LCSWs for their therapy programs.

3. Brown County Department of Human Services: The county is a massive employer for public child welfare (Child Protective Services) and adult services. The pace is high, the caseloads are real, but it’s a direct path to public service loan forgiveness. Hiring is cyclical but consistent.

4. Aurora BayCare Medical Center: Part of the large Aurora network, this hospital has an active social work department for inpatient care, oncology, and palliative care. The environment is more structured and hospital-based.

5. Green Bay Area Public School District: School social workers are in high demand. With a student population over 20,000, there are needs across elementary, middle, and high schools. Hiring is often tied to the school budget cycle (late spring/summer).

6. Mental Health America (MHA) of Brown County: A key non-profit for community mental health, crisis intervention, and peer support. They offer roles for case managers, crisis workers, and program coordinators. Great for early-career social workers.

7. Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County: Focuses on older adults and people with disabilities. Hires for benefits counseling, care coordination, and long-term support planning. A stable, government-affiliated role.

Hiring Trends: The biggest growth is in Healthcare Social Work and Gerontology. The aging population in Northeast Wisconsin is driving demand. School social work positions are competitive, often requiring a master’s degree and a state certification. Child welfare turnover is high, so the county is almost always hiring for CPS positions.

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Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin’s licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) oversees it.

Pathway for a Master’s in Social Work (MSW):

1. Register as a Social Worker (SSW): With your MSW, you can apply for the temporary title. Cost: ~$120 for the application and background check.
2. Accumulate Supervised Hours: You need 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised practice (at least 100 hours of direct supervision) to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This typically takes 2-3 years.
3. Take the ASWB Clinical Exam: After completing hours, you must pass the national clinical exam. Exam fee: ~$260.
4. Apply for LCSW: Submit your application, proof of hours, and exam score to DSPS. Licensing fee: ~$120.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Immediately (0-3 months): You can work as an SSW under supervision. Most employers (like hospitals or the county) will hire you as an SSW with your MSW, understanding you’re on the path to LCSW.
• 2-3 Years: With diligent hour-tracking, you can achieve LCSW licensure. This is the "gold standard" for clinical roles and private practice.
• Costs: Total out-of-pocket for licensure (exam, fees) is roughly $500-$700. Many employers will reimburse this cost or cover your exam fees as a retention incentive.

Insider Tip: Start your hour log the day you start work. Use a simple spreadsheet or a service like Tevera. Find a supervisor who is a LCSW—their licensure is what counts for your hours. The WI Department of Public Instruction also offers a separate Pupil Services License for school-based work.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Green Bay’s social work career isn’t about rapid vertical climbs; it’s about deepening expertise and finding a sustainable role.

Specialty Premiums (Salary Boosts):

• LCSW in Private Practice: Can see clients at $120-$180/hour. With a full private practice, income can far exceed a salaried position, but you handle all overhead.
• Healthcare LCSW: Can earn $70,000-$85,000 at Bellin or Prevea, especially in oncology or palliative care.
• School Social Worker (with added credentials): With a Pupil Services License and strong experience, you can reach the top of the district’s pay scale (often $70,000+).

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Track: SSW → LCSW → Private Practice or Therapist at a clinic.
2. Management Track: Case Manager → Program Coordinator → Program Director (at a non-profit like MHA or the ADRC). Salaries can reach $80,000+.
3. Macro/Policy Track: Move into community organizing, grant writing, or administration. This often requires an MSW and experience with local coalitions like the Brown County Homeless & Housing Coalition.

10-Year Outlook (7% Growth): The 7% job growth is realistic and aligns with national trends. The drivers are clear: an aging population (creating demand for geriatric social work), increased recognition of mental health in schools, and the continued need for healthcare social workers. The field will likely see more integrated care models, where social workers are embedded in primary care teams at places like Bellin or Prevea.

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Best Neighborhoods for Social Workers

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s guide.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Social Workers
East Side	Vibrant, walkable, close to downtown. 5-10 min drive to hospitals & county offices.	$750 - $950	Young professionals, older apartments, great cafes (Kavarna), and walkable to the Fox River Trail. Ideal for an urban feel.
Allouez	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. 10-15 min commute to most employers.	$850 - $1,100	Safer, newer stock. Close to Bay Beach Amusement Park and the Kress Center. Good for those wanting a quieter home life.
Ashwaubenon	Mixed commercial/residential, home to Lambeau Field. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $1,050	Upscale apartments near the Titletown district, quiet single-family homes further south. Great for being near amenities.
De Pere (just south of GB)	College-town feel (St. Norbert College), very family-oriented. 10-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Excellent schools, charming downtown (Shopko Hall area). Many social workers live here for the community feel and safety.
On the River (Fox River)	Scenic, quiet, with some older homes. 10-20 min commute, depends on which side.	$700 - $900	For those who want space and nature. The west side of the river (near St. Norbert's) is especially peaceful.

Insider Tip: If you work at the Brown County Courthouse or Bellin, look in Allouez or De Pere for a short, stress-free commute. If you’re at Prevea’s main campus or the East Side clinics, the East Side is perfect. Avoid the immediate downtown core for apartments unless you love nightlife; the East Side offers a better balance.

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The Verdict: Is Green Bay Right for You?

Let’s break it down.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $59,417 salary goes very far. Homeownership is attainable.	Limited Public Transit: A car is essentially a requirement.
Stable Job Market: Healthcare, schools, and county government provide steady employment.	Slower Pace of Advancement: Career moves can be gradual; fewer specialized niches than in major metros.
Strong Community Ties: It’s easy to build a network and feel connected.	Cultural & Social Scene: More limited than Madison or Milwaukee. Packer games are the social event.
Natural Beauty & Recreation: Access to the Fox River, Lake Michigan, and extensive parks/ trails.	Winters Are Harsh: Long, cold, snowy months can be challenging if you’re not from the North.
Manageable Caseloads (vs. major cities): Often less bureaucratic pressure than in larger systems.	Political Climate: The region can be politically divided, which can impact social services funding.

Final Recommendation: Green Bay is an excellent choice for social workers who value work-life balance, affordability, and community. It’s ideal for early- to mid-career professionals looking to establish roots, buy a home, and build a sustainable life. It may feel limiting for those seeking highly specialized, cutting-edge roles or a fast-paced urban lifestyle. If you’re comfortable with a car-dependent, four-season climate and prioritize a manageable cost of living, Green Bay is a smart, strategic move.

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FAQs

Q: Is the job market for social workers with a BSW competitive in Green Bay?
A: It’s competitive for the best positions. A BSW can get you entry-level roles in case management (sometimes as a "Case Aide") at the county or non-profits. However, the median salary for a BSW is lower (often in the $45,000-$50,000 range). Most clinical and healthcare roles require an MSW. For the best long-term prospects, an MSW is highly recommended.

Q: How do winters affect a social worker’s commute and mental health?
A: Winters are a reality. Commutes can be delayed by snow, and you’ll need a reliable, winter-ready vehicle. For mental health, the gray skies and cold can be tough. However, Green Bay has excellent indoor amenities (like the YMCA, libraries, and community centers) and a strong culture of "getting out" in the winter with activities like snowshoeing or visiting local breweries. Many social workers plan their vacations for February.

Q: Are there opportunities for private practice in Green Bay?
A: Yes, but the market is modest. There’s demand, but it’s not like a large city. Success requires networking, a strong specialty (like trauma, EMDR, or child therapy), and marketing. Many LCSWs in private practice also maintain part-time clinic roles for steady income. The cost of living is low, so a modest private practice can still afford you a comfortable life.

Q: What’s the best way to network as a new social worker in Green Bay?
A: Join the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-WI). Attend their local events. Also, connect with the UW-Green Bay Social Work Program alumni network. Many employers, like Bellin and the county, recruit heavily from UW-Green Bay. A coffee chat with a veteran social worker at the Brown County Library (the downtown branch is a hub) can be invaluable.

Q: How does the cost of living index of 92.1 impact my salary?
A: It means you need about 7.9% less income to maintain the same standard of living as the national average. Your $59,417 in Green Bay would require an income of roughly $64,100 in a city with a 100 index. This is the core advantage of living here—your salary has more purchasing power for housing, food, and services than it would in most of the country.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Zillow Research for rent data, U.S. Census Bureau for population, and local employer job postings (Bellin, Prevea, Brown County). Salary figures are based on BLS data for the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metro Area, which is the official statistical area for Brown County.