If you’re considering moving to the Badger State, Wisconsin’s industrial presence makes it an attractive destination. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Milwaukee or apartments in Madison, our state’s economic diversity ensures job opportunities and financial stability. Wisconsin is known for its strong economy, driven by Wisconsin’s major industries, from health care to dairy production. The presence of large companies and a skilled workforce creates opportunities for local residents. From bustling urban centers to scenic countryside, Wisconsin combines economic vitality with a high quality of life.
Wisconsin Overview: Home Prices, Income, and Employment
Top Employers in Wisconsin
Walmart: 34,100 employees Kick Trip: 27,500 employees University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority: 24,000 employees University of Wisconsin: 21,000 employees Flottert Medical School of Wisconsin: 16,100 employees
Wisconsin’s 10 Major Industries
1. Life insurance and pensions
Major Employers: Northwestern Mutual (Milwaukee), Thrivent (offices in Appleton), National Guardian Life Insurance Company (Madison)
Wisconsin is home to the life insurance and annuity sector, offering careers in sales, underwriting, and actuarial science. Northwestern Mutual is headquartered in Milwaukee and offers a wide range of positions from financial advice to insurance claims processing. Appleton-based Thrivent blends financial and faith-based services to create unique career opportunities. The industry supports families with stable financial plans and generates hundreds of millions of dollars in premiums annually, strengthening the state’s economy. Moving here gives you access to a stable job market and a supportive professional network.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Milwaukee or Appleton.
2. Health/medical insurance
Major Employers: Quartz Health Solutions (Fitchburg), WPS Health Solutions (Madison), Humana (in-state locations)
Wisconsin health insurance companies offer comprehensive plans to residents and employ thousands of people in claims, customer service, and IT departments. Quartz and WPS are both regional leaders in health care, both based in or near Madison. Humana has significant operations in the state, adding to the diversity of our workforce. As health insurance continues to be essential, this industry provides a stable career path for professionals looking to move to the state for a robust healthcare infrastructure.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Madison or Fitchburg.
3. Dairy production
Major Employers: Sargento (Plymouth), Grande Cheese Company (Fond du Lac), Schreiber Foods (Green Bay)
Wisconsin is synonymous with dairy, producing more than 25% of the nation’s cheese. Companies like Sargento and Schreiber Foods have plenty of jobs in production, quality assurance, and logistics. The dairy industry supports the local economy and maintains Wisconsin’s rural charm. When you move here, you’ll have access to both career opportunities and the cultural pride of our state’s dairy heritage.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Green Bay or Plymouth.
4. Healthcare
Major Employers: Aurora Health Care (statewide locations), UW Health (Madison), Froedtert Health (Milwaukee)
Healthcare is a growing industry in Wisconsin, employing nurses, doctors, administrators, and technicians. One of the largest employers, Aurora Health Care, offers roles in both urban and rural hospitals. UW Health in Madison supports research and advanced patient care. This important sector provides job security while increasing the state’s attractiveness to people moving to seek access to quality health care.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Milwaukee or Madison.
5. Liability and Direct Insurance
Major Employers: American Family Insurance (Madison), Acuity Insurance (Sheboygan), West Bend Mutual Insurance (West Bend)
The insurance sector supports the state’s economy by providing claims, risk analysis, and customer service roles. Headquartered in Madison, American Family Insurance continues to be a top employer in the region with offices throughout the state. At Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan, we pride ourselves on innovation in liability coverage. This industry offers career stability, making it attractive to homebuyers and renters seeking economic resiliency in Wisconsin.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Madison or Sheboygan.
6. Automobile retail industry
Major Employers: Bergstrom Automotive (Neenah), Heiser Automotive (Glendale), Van Horn Automotive (Plymouth)
Wisconsin’s automotive retail industry offers sales, service, and management positions. Bergstrom Automotive in Neenah operates one of the largest dealer networks in the state. Heiser Automotive and Van Horn Automotive offer a wide range of employment opportunities. This industry provides reliable jobs, making Wisconsin a great place to live for people seeking financial stability and affordable housing.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Neenah or Glendale.
7. Commercial banking
Major Employers: Associated Bank (Green Bay), Johnson Financial Group (Racine), BMO Harris Bank (in-state locations)
Wisconsin’s banking sector employs thousands of people in a variety of roles, from branch management to financial advising. Associated Bank, headquartered in Green Bay, is a regional leader in personal and commercial banking, and Racine-based Johnson Financial Group is a major contributor to the state’s financial services environment. Moving to Wisconsin offers a well-paying banking career and a stable economic environment.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Green Bay or Racine.
8. Gas station/convenience store
Major Employers: Kwik Trip (La Crosse), BP (statewide locations), Casey’s (statewide locations)
Gas stations and convenience stores are critical to Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure, employing cashiers, managers, and logistics staff. La Crosse-based Kwik Trip leads the state in its employee-focused culture. BP and Casey’s also offer opportunities across the state. These businesses contribute to Wisconsin’s accessibility, making it attractive to those seeking stable employment in the retail and hospitality industries.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in La Crosse or Eau Claire.
9. Public school
Major Employers: Milwaukee Public Schools (Milwaukee), Madison Metropolitan School District (Madison), Green Bay Regional Public Schools (Green Bay)
Wisconsin’s public education system employs thousands of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Milwaukee Public Schools is the largest school district with more than 69,000 students, providing opportunities for educators in urban environments. Other school districts, like Madison Metropolitan, balance academic innovation and community focus. When you move to Wisconsin, you have access to a high-quality education system and a rewarding career in education.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Milwaukee or Madison.
10. Gasoline and oil
Major Employers: US Energy (Appleton), ExxonMobil (statewide locations), Chevron (statewide locations)
The oil sector provides energy, creates distribution and logistics jobs, and supports Wisconsin’s economy. Appleton-based US Energy is leading the region’s efforts in fuel distribution. ExxonMobil and Chevron maintain operations throughout the state, including the Badger State, and employ engineers and analysts. This industry ensures a consistent demand for skilled professionals, strengthening Wisconsin’s attractiveness to both job seekers and homeowners.
Considering moving to Wisconsin to work in this industry? Consider homes for sale in Appleton or Waukesha.
