Accountant in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because in accounting, the data always tells the story. The median salary for an Accountant in Kenosha, WI, is $84,298 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.53. It's critical to understand that this local figure sits just below the national average of $86,080. This isn't a red flag; it's a reflection of Kenosha's cost of living, which is significantly lower than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local economic data, the Kenosha metro area supports 196 accountant jobs, with a 10-year job growth projection of 4%. This isn't a boomtown, but it's a stable, predictable market—ideal for professionals seeking work-life balance over the high-stakes grind of a major financial center.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown of salary progression. Keep in mind that these tiers are generalized; a CPA at a large firm will earn more than a corporate accountant at a smaller company.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Role in Kenosha
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Staff Accountant, AP/AR Specialist, Junior Auditor
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$75,000 - $95,000	Senior Accountant, Tax Specialist, Financial Analyst
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Accounting Manager, Controller, Senior Tax Manager
Expert/Partner (15+ years)	$115,000 - $140,000+	Partner at a local firm, Corporate Controller, VP of Finance

How does this compare to other Wisconsin cities? Kenosha sits in a comfortable middle ground. It doesn't command the salaries of Milwaukee (where the median is closer to $88,000) or Madison (often exceeding $90,000), but it also doesn't have the brutal competition for slots in those larger markets. For someone moving from a high-cost coastal city, the lower salary might be a shock, but the purchasing power is what truly matters, which we'll break down next.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's do the math on a hypothetical Accountant earning the Kenosha median of $84,298. This is a realistic target for a mid-career professional with a CPA license.

Gross Annual Income: $84,298
Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after taxes, insurance, 401k): ~$4,900 - $5,100

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,071
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$150
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$200
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, dining, personal): -$300
• Estimated Savings/Investments: $1,429 - $1,629

This leaves a healthy surplus for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. Kenosha's cost of living index of 93.1 (U.S. average = 100) means your dollar goes nearly 7% further than the national average. This is the key financial advantage of the city.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Kenosha County hovers around $280,000. With the $1,400+ monthly surplus, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is achievable within 3-4 years of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage on a $224,000 loan at 6.5% interest would be approximately $1,420 per month (including taxes and insurance). This is remarkably close to the average rent payment, making homeownership a very tangible goal for a mid-career accountant.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's job market is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and local government. As an accountant, you won't be applying to Wall Street firms, but you'll find stable, well-paying roles in these sectors.

1. Uline Inc. (Headquarters in Pleasant Prairie): The national distributor of shipping, industrial, and packaging materials is a massive local employer. They hire a significant number of accountants for corporate accounting, accounts payable/receivable, and financial analysis. Their growth is relentless, creating consistent openings.
2. Aurora Health Care (now Advocate Aurora Health): As the largest healthcare provider in the region, their Kenosha campus (Aurora Medical Center Kenosha) employs a dedicated team of accountants, billing specialists, and financial managers. Healthcare accounting is a specialty in itself, with complex reimbursement models and compliance needs.
3. City of Kenosha & Kenosha County Government: Local governments are always in need of public sector accountants for budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting. These roles offer excellent job security, pensions, and a clear work-life balance. Check the City of Kenosha’s job portal and the Wisconsin Department of Administration for openings.
4. Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD): The second-largest employer in the area, KUSD requires accountants for district-level finance, grant management, and payroll. These positions are tied to the academic calendar and often come with summers off or reduced hours.
5. Local & Regional Firms: While not the "Big Four," Kenosha is home to several respected CPA firms like Brady Wine & Associates, S.C., and Kerkman & Dunn. They serve local businesses, agricultural clients, and individuals. These firms are a fantastic path for those seeking public accounting experience without the 80-hour work weeks of major metros.
6. Manufacturing Giants: Companies like Jockey International (underwear manufacturer) and Polaris Industries (snowmobiles, ATVs) have significant local operations. Their corporate offices require accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting.

Hiring Trend Insight: The market is stable. Employers are looking for candidates with strong GAAP knowledge, proficiency in software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle, and preferably a CPA or CMA. Remote work has infiltrated the market, but hybrid models (3 days in office) are most common for corporate roles.

Getting Licensed in WI

To practice as a CPA in Wisconsin, you must meet the state's specific requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

The Requirements:

1. Education: A 150-semester credit hour requirement, including 24 credits in accounting and 24 credits in business-related subjects. A master's degree in accounting or taxation is the most common path to reach this.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You must apply for an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the DSPS before registering for the exam with NASBA.
3. Experience: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA's Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fees: ~$1,500 (for all four sections).
• Application Fees (DSPS): ~$150.
• Ethics Exam Fee: ~$200.
• Total Estimated Cost (excluding education): $1,850.

Insider Tip: If you're already a CPA licensed in another state, Wisconsin has reciprocity. You'll need to apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires verification of your current license and a passing score on the ethics exam. The process can take 8-12 weeks.

Timeline: If you start in Kenosha with your education complete, you can expect 6-9 months to pass all exam sections, plus 1 year of work experience. So, from day one, you're looking at 1.5-2 years to be fully licensed, assuming you pass exams on the first try.

The Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Choosing where to live in Kenosha depends on your lifestyle and commute. The city is compact, so travel times are minimal.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Kenosha	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to the lakefront, restaurants, and the city/county buildings. Commute to most offices is 5-10 mins.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals who want a vibrant social scene without big-city chaos.
Somers/Mount Pleasant	Suburban, family-friendly. Home to Uline's HQ and many newer subdivisions. A 10-15 minute commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,150	Accountants working for Uline or in the Pleasant Prairie business corridor. Good value.
Pleasant Prairie	Master-planned community feel. Lots of green space, shopping at the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. Commute to Kenosha is 10-15 mins.	$1,050 - $1,250	Those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle with easy access to I-94.
Bristol	Small-town charm, rural feel. 15-20 minute commute to Kenosha. Lower rents but fewer amenities in walking distance.	$800 - $1,000	Accountants who want more space, a yard, and a slower pace of life.
42nd Street Corridor	Established residential area, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to the hospitals and Aurora Medical Center. 5-10 min commute.	$900 - $1,100	Healthcare accountants working at Aurora or St. Mary's. Central and convenient.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue in Kenosha. The biggest commute consideration is winter weather. Living north of the I-94 corridor can mean dealing with heavy snow on the way to work, so consider a garage or off-street parking if you're in a more suburban area like Bristol.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth is more about deepening your expertise than rapid title changes. Here’s the path and the premiums for specialty skills.

Advancement Paths:

1. Public Accounting: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Manager → Partner/Principal. The path is clear but can be slow at smaller firms.
2. Corporate: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → VP of Finance/CFO. The controller role at a mid-sized company (like a local manufacturer) is a key milestone, often paying $100,000 - $130,000.
3. Government: Accountant → Senior Accountant → Finance Director. Highly structured, with pay tied to civil service grades.

Specialty Premiums (Estimated in Kenosha):

• CPA License: Adds a 10-15% premium to your salary. Almost mandatory for controller or manager roles.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant): Highly valued in manufacturing and corporate roles. Adds a 5-10% premium.
• ERP/Software Expertise: Proficiency in SAP or Oracle can add a 5-8% premium, as these are used by large local employers like Uline.
• Tax Specialization: Experienced tax accountants (especially with CFP experience) are in steady demand for local practices and can command higher fees as consultants.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth is slower than the national average for accountants, but it's steady. Automation is reducing demand for basic bookkeeping, increasing the need for strategic, analytical accountants who can interpret data. The rise of remote work is a double-edged sword: it creates more competition from candidates in larger cities, but it also allows Kenosha-based accountants to access remote roles with higher salaries. Long-term, those who specialize in tax, audit, or financial analysis for local industries (manufacturing, healthcare) will be most secure.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $84,298 salary goes much further than in Milwaukee or Chicago.	Limited High-End Career Ceiling: The highest salaries (e.g., $150,000+) are rare unless you're a partner or C-suite at a major local company.
Stable, Predictable Job Market: Low turnover, consistent demand from major local employers.	Less Dynamic Social Scene: Fewer networking events, conferences, and cultural amenities than a major metro.
Short Commutes & Work-Life Balance: Most jobs are within a 10-15 minute drive. Overtime is less common than in big cities.	Slower Salary Growth: Annual raises are more modest; major jumps often require changing employers.
Gateway to Recreation: Lake Michigan, state parks, and Chicago are all within easy reach.	Dependence on Midwest Economy: Tied to manufacturing and agriculture, which can be cyclical.
Strong Sense of Community: Easier to build a professional network and integrate socially.	Weather: Harsh winters with significant snowfall can be a barrier for some.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an ideal choice for mid-career accountants (3-10 years of experience) seeking to maximize their quality of life and financial stability. It's perfect for professionals who value a manageable pace, a short commute, and the ability to afford a home. It's less suitable for those at the very start of their career (who may benefit from the training in a larger firm) or for those whose primary goal is reaching the absolute top of the pay scale in the shortest time. If you want a career that supports a life outside of work, Kenosha is a hard market to beat.

FAQs

1. Is the CPA license required to get an accounting job in Kenosha?
No, but it's strongly recommended. You can find staff and senior accountant roles without it, especially in corporate or government settings. However, for any managerial position (Controller, Accounting Manager), the CPA is almost always a non-negotiable requirement. It's the key that unlocks the top tier of the local salary range.

2. How competitive is the job market for accountants here?
It's moderately competitive. You won't be competing with hundreds of applicants for every opening, but you will be competing with local candidates who have established networks. Having your WI CPA license (or the education to get it) and experience with the software systems used by major employers (like SAP for Uline) will give you a significant edge.

3. What is the networking scene like for accountants in Kenosha?
It's tight-knit but effective. The local chapter of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) holds regular meetings and events. Attending these is the single best way to meet hiring managers and learn about unlisted opportunities. The community is small enough that your reputation follows you—be reliable and professional.

4. Can I live in Kenosha and commute to Chicago or Milwaukee for a higher salary?
Yes, it's a common commute. From Kenosha to downtown Milwaukee is about 45-60 minutes; to downtown Chicago is 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent). The trade-off is higher pay versus a brutal commute and a much higher cost of living in the destination city. Many accountants do this for a few years, then transition to a local Kenosha role for a better work-life balance.

5. What's the single most important factor for success as an accountant in Kenosha?
Specialization. Generalist accountants can get by, but to earn above the median and secure the best jobs, you need to develop a niche. Dive deep into the tax code for manufacturing, become an expert in cost accounting for a specific industry, or master the financial reporting for local government. Your value is directly tied to the specialized knowledge you bring to a local employer.