Accountant in Racine, WI

As a career analyst who’s tracked Racine’s job market for years, I can tell you this: moving here as an accountant isn’t about chasing the highest salary. It’s about a deliberate trade-off. You’re trading a coastal salary for a Midwest cost of living that lets you build real equity, whether in a home or a quieter lifestyle. Racine isn’t Milwaukee’s little brother—it’s a distinct industrial city with a historic financial core, anchored by major manufacturers and a surprisingly robust healthcare sector. Let’s break down what your life as an accountant looks like here, dollar by dollar, block by block.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

The first thing to understand is that Racine’s salary data tells a story of stability over explosive growth. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for accountants in Racine is $84,788/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.76/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,080/year, a common pattern for secondary Midwest markets. However, the real story is in the 10-year job growth of 4%—slower than the national average, but steady. The metro area supports 153 jobs specifically labeled as accountants, a tight-knit community where reputation matters.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in Racine:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Racine)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$58,000 - $68,000	Bookkeeping, AP/AR, basic tax prep, data entry.
Mid-Level	3-7	$72,000 - $92,000	Financial reporting, month-end close, complex tax filings, client management.
Senior/Manager	8-15	$95,000 - $115,000	Team supervision, audit lead, strategic planning, high-level client advisory.
Expert/Partner	15+	$120,000+	Firm leadership, business development, niche expertise (e.g., manufacturing, healthcare).

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Racine sits in a middle tier. It pays less than Milwaukee (where the median is closer to $88,500) but significantly more than cities like Green Bay or La Crosse. The trade-off is Racine’s lower cost of living, which we’ll tackle next.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the median. The $84,788 figure is heavily influenced by the number of mid-level roles at established local firms and corporate offices. If you have a CPA and 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or healthcare accounting, you can command a salary at the top of that mid-level bracket or even break into the senior tier faster than in a more saturated market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $84,788, your take-home pay after federal, state (Wisconsin’s progressive tax), and FICA taxes is approximately $5,850/month. Now, let’s layer in Racine’s most attractive feature: its affordability.

• Average 1BR Rent: $842/month
• Cost of Living Index: 95.0 (U.S. average is 100)

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for an accountant earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,850	After all taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR Apt)	$842	Well below the national average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; winters can be costly.
Groceries	$400	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Highly variable; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plans.
Retirement (401k, 5%)	$353	Brings gross pay to ~$79k, but is essential.
Discretionary / Savings	$2,255	This is your real advantage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Racine County is around $260,000. With a 20% down payment ($52,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be roughly $1,400/month. Given your discretionary income of over $2,200, a home purchase is not just feasible but financially strategic. You can build equity for less than the cost of renting in many major metros.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Wisconsin are high. For a $260,000 home, expect to pay $4,000-$5,000 annually in property taxes. Factor this into your home-buying budget; it can add $350-$425 to your monthly housing cost.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine’s economy is anchored in manufacturing, but its accounting needs are diverse. The job market is competitive but not cutthroat. Here are the key players:

1. SC Johnson (Global HQ): The city’s largest private employer. Their finance department is massive, handling everything from plant accounting to global consolidation. They hire for internal roles, not just through temp agencies. Hiring is steady but selective; they value long-term stability.
2. Racine County & City of Racine: Municipal government is a steady employer. Roles here focus on grant accounting, public sector auditing, and budget management. These jobs offer stability and excellent benefits, though salaries trend at the lower end of the mid-level range.
3. Aurora Health Care / Ascension Wisconsin: With multiple facilities (including All Saints Hospital), healthcare is a massive sector. Accountants here specialize in revenue cycle management, compliance (HIPAA), and cost accounting for medical services. This is a growing, recession-resistant field.
4. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Kohler & Associates, Lutz & Company): The backbone of the professional services sector. These firms serve the city’s manufacturing and small business base. They offer a classic path to partnership and deep community integration. Turnover is low, so hiring is often for growth or replacement.
5. Kenosha County (nearby): Just south of Racine, Kenosha’s economy is intertwined. Home to major employers like Uline (a massive distribution company) and Jockey International. Accountants here often find roles in corporate finance and logistics accounting. The commute is 15-20 minutes, and salaries are competitive.
6. Racine Unified School District: A large public school system requiring accountants for its complex budget, federal grant management, and payroll operations. It’s a stable, community-focused employer.
7. Manufacturing Giants (e.g., Modine, InSinkErator): Many large manufacturers have local plants. They hire cost accountants, financial analysts, and plant controllers who understand lean manufacturing and inventory valuation.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 4% growth indicates new positions are created slowly, primarily through retirements and business expansion. Networking is critical; Racine’s business community is tight-knit. Attend events by the Racine County Economic Development Corporation or the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) Southeast Chapter.

Getting Licensed in WI

To practice as a CPA in Wisconsin, you must meet the state’s strict requirements. The process is straightforward but requires planning.

• Educational Requirement: 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree. You must have at least 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 in business (excluding introductory courses).
• Exam Requirement: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Wisconsin or any jurisdiction.
• Experience Requirement: One year (1,800 hours) of qualifying experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
• Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.
• Costs: Exam fees are approximately $1,500 (varies by state). Review courses (Becker, Wiley) cost $2,000 - $4,000. Application and licensing fees are a few hundred dollars.
• Timeline: From starting your 150-hour education to getting your license, expect 1.5 - 2.5 years if you’re already near the educational requirement. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) handles licensing.

Insider Tip: Wisconsin has a "CPA Candidate" status for those who have passed the exam but haven’t met the experience requirement. You can work in accounting roles under a CPA’s supervision while you gain the required hours. This is a common pathway in Racine’s smaller firms.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live affects your commute and daily life. Racine’s neighborhoods vary widely in character and cost.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Downtown / Harborview	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to most offices.	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want restaurants, art, and Lake Michigan access.
Northside	Residential, family-oriented. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $950	Accountants looking to buy their first home. Good value, established neighborhoods.
Mount Pleasant	Suburban, modern. 15-20 min commute to downtown Racine.	$950 - $1,100	Those who want newer apartments, shopping, and easy access to I-94 for Kenosha jobs.
West Racine	Quiet, stable, mixed housing. 10-12 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	A great balance for professionals who want a quiet home life without being too far from the city.
Franksville / Caledonia	Rural/suburban feel. 15-25 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Those who prioritize space, nature, and don’t mind a longer drive. Home to many manufacturing plants.

Insider Tip: Traffic is minimal in Racine. The main artery is Washington Ave/Highway 31. Living north of the I-94 interchange usually means a smoother commute to most corporate offices and hospitals. Avoid living east of Highway 32 if you work in Mount Pleasant—rush hour can add 10-15 minutes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Racine, career growth is about specialization and reputation, not just title changes.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Manufacturing/Cost Accounting: In high demand. Can command a 10-15% premium over general accounting roles due to the city’s industrial base.
  • Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Another high-demand specialty. Understanding systems like Epic or Cerner is a plus.
  • Tax Expertise (S-Corp, Partnership): Essential for local CPA firms and small business owners. A CPA license is almost mandatory for senior roles.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Public Accounting: Associate → Senior → Manager → Partner/Principal. This path is available at local firms like Kohler & Associates. It requires a CPA and strong client skills.
  • Corporate Path: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller → CFO. You’ll find this path at SC Johnson, in healthcare, and at large manufacturers. The Controller role is a key milestone, often paying $110,000+.
  • Government/Non-Profit: While growth is slower, these roles offer work-life balance and pension benefits that are increasingly rare.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth signals a stable, not booming, market. The biggest opportunities will come from retirements in the existing workforce and the need for accountants who can bridge traditional skills with digital tools (ERP systems, data analytics). Those with a CPA and a specialty (manufacturing, healthcare) will see the strongest upward mobility.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine isn’t for everyone. It’s a pragmatic choice for accountants who value financial stability and homeownership over the hustle of a major metro.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $84,788 salary stretches much further here.	Slower Career Growth: The 4% growth means fewer opportunities than in Milwaukee or Chicago.
Path to Homeownership: Buying a home is realistic within a few years.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Social life is more community-based than urban.
Stable Job Market: Major employers (SC Johnson, healthcare) provide recession-resistant roles.	Winters are Harsh: Long, cold, snowy winters can be a lifestyle challenge.
Tight-Knit Network: Easier to build a reputation and find mentors.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in larger markets.
Proximity to Milwaukee: Easy access to bigger-city amenities and a larger professional network.	Public Transit is Limited: A car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an ideal choice for mid-career accountants, CPAs, and those looking to transition from renting to owning a home. It’s perfect if you value a stable, community-oriented environment and are willing to trade the hyper-growth of a coastal city for a high quality of life and strong financial footing. If you’re a recent graduate seeking the highest possible starting salary and a bustling social scene, you might find Milwaukee or Chicago more appealing. But if you’re ready to plant roots and build wealth, Racine offers a compelling, data-driven case.

FAQs

1. Is it worth getting my CPA if I’m not in public accounting?
Absolutely. In Racine’s corporate world (SC Johnson, healthcare, manufacturing), the CPA is a direct path to the Controller and CFO roles. It signals expertise and often comes with a significant salary bump, even in industry.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level accountants?
It’s competitive but not overwhelming. The 153 jobs in the metro mean you’re not competing with thousands. Having a 4-year degree and any internship experience (even in a different city) will make you a strong candidate. Tailor your resume to local industries—highlight any manufacturing or healthcare exposure.

3. What’s the commute like from Milwaukee to Racine?
It’s a straightforward 30-45 minute drive south on I-94. Many professionals live in Milwaukee’s suburbs (like South Milwaukee) and commute to Racine for the lower cost of living and shorter commute. This is a viable option if you find a job that allows hybrid work.

4. Are there opportunities for remote accounting work from Racine?
Yes, increasingly so. Local firms and employers are open to hybrid models. However, fully remote roles are more common with national companies. Your best bet for remote work is to first establish yourself with a Racine-based firm that has a flexible culture, then leverage that experience.

5. What professional associations should I join in the area?
The Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) is essential. Join the Southeast Chapter for networking. For broader business connections, the Racine County Chamber of Commerce and the Racine County Economic Development Corporation host events where you can meet hiring managers from major employers.