The Best and Highest-Paying Jobs in Wisconsin

Having a job gives you security. You can have financial freedom, access to insurance, a retirement plan, and a good quality of life for you and your family. High-paying jobs give you the means to make this possible.

For residents of Wisconsin, some of the state’s highest-paying jobs await you. In this guide, we will introduce you to the best jobs in Wisconsin that pay well to get you started on your journey to earning more.

Wisconsin Economic Outlook

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue reports that the Wisconsin economy continues to grow and boasts growth in its residents’ personal income. Wisconsin’s job growth is expected to rise, with employment increasing 3.3 percent in 2022 and 1.3 percent in 2023. The report shares a forecast that by the end of 2022, employment in Wisconsin will reach its pre-pandemic levels.

Education and health services sector employment will also grow in 2022 despite its 3.1 percent decline in 2020. The construction sector is also expected to continue experiencing growth, while the leisure and hospitality sectors are forecast to bounce back this year.

The Highest-Paying Jobs in Wisconsin

The Best Jobs in Wisconsin: Explained

The highest-paying jobs in Wisconsin usually require an adequate college education. However, there are also high-paying roles that don’t require a college degree. Let’s start discussing first the best jobs in Wisconsin that pay well followed by high-paying jobs without a degree in the section below.

1. Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Obstetricians and gynecologists are medical professionals that specialize in women’s care. Obstetricians specialize in delivering and caring for women during pregnancy, while gynecologists diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive system. People also refer to them as OB-GYNs.

2. Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists work closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and doctors to prescribe anesthetics to patients who need them. They prepare patients for anesthesia, administer anesthesia, and manage the recovery process from anesthesia. They are ranked one of the highest-paying jobs in the state with an hourly wage of $85, according to ZipRecruiter.

3. Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers rank the highest in an organization. Their job description is to govern an organization and set the vision for the company. Being a CEO requires more than having different levels of education. It requires you to have clear communication, transparency and integrity, and decision-making skills.

4. Computer Network Architect

Computer network architects are professionally responsible for designing and building communication networks. These include intranets, local area networks or LANs, and wide area networks WANs. To become a computer network architect, you need to have a bachelor’s degree, IT skills and competencies, and experience in a computer-related field.

5. Actuary

Actuaries are strategic thinkers that solve problems with their mathematical skills by measuring the probability and risk of future events. This skill enables them to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty between a business and its customers. An actuary is crucial to insurance companies.

6. Lawyer

Lawyers are licensed professionals who practice law to prepare, manage, and prosecute or defend an individual called to court. Lawyers offer advice about the law and represent an individual or company on legal matters. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to enroll in a law school and complete a Juris Doctor degree to be a lawyer.

7. Corporate Finance Manager

Corporate finance managers oversee the financial affairs of a company or organization. They analyze data and advise senior managers on how to enhance a company’s finances. It’s one of the best jobs in Wisconsin as financial growth in a company is crucial.

8. Computer Scientist

Computer scientists employ technology to tackle problems in the real world, ranging from illiteracy to agricultural productivity. They use theoretical expertise to research and develop ways to solve problems through computer operations. A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is a requirement for this job.

9. Air Traffic Controller

Air traffic controllers efficiently manage the movement of aircraft and vehicles operating on the taxiway or runway at the airport to ensure the safety of passengers, flight crew, and grounds crew. The essential qualification required for this role is an associate degree or bachelor’s degree.

10. Sales Engineer

The sales engineer profession is a combination of sales and engineering. Sales engineers sell technological products and professional services for businesses to grow. They play a critical role in the company’s growth both in sales and product management. The minimum level of education required to become a sales engineer is a bachelor’s degree.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Wisconsin Without a Degree

• Flight Attendant | $66,371. Flight attendants, also known as air hosts and hostesses, are part of an aircrew that ensures that passengers on board are comfortable and safe. Their priority is to ensure that customer service is top-notch.
• Electrician | $58,059. An electrician is a person who specializes in installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing electrical devices or electrical wiring.
• Insurance Adjuster | $48,078. An insurance adjuster settles insurance claims laid to an insurance company. They investigate and determine whether an insurance company should pay for loss or damage and if so, how much should be paid out.
• 911 Dispatcher | $35,891. A 911 dispatcher is a telecommunicator that receives emergency calls from people who need help. They work with the emergency medical team and police to provide fast responses to emergencies.
• Postal Worker | $34,439. The government hires postal workers to organize mail and parcels at the post office and deliver them to the receiver. This role is also customer service-oriented.

What Is the Cost of Living in Wisconsin?

The average cost of living in Wisconsin is $1,777 per month, according to LivingCost.org. This cost of living is 1.09 times less expensive than the average cost of living in the US. Wisconsin is the 37th most expensive state for cost of living in the United States. The average salary after tax in Wisconsin is $3,745 per year, which is over two times the cost of living expenses in the state.

Is Wisconsin a Good Place to Work?

Yes, Wisconsin is considered a great place to work because of its affordable cost of living, high-paying occupations, and job opportunities across different industries. If you’re looking to settle in Wisconsin, researching jobs in your industry can help you land a high-paying job.

Highest-Paying Jobs in Wisconsin FAQ