Carpenter in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local to Kenosha, I see carpentry as one of those foundation trades—literally and figuratively. The median salary here is $55,741/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.8/hour. While that's slightly below the national average of $56,920/year, the key here isn't the gross number; it's the buying power. Kenosha's cost of living is 93.1 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further than in most other metro areas, especially compared to the big cities down I-94.

The job market is tight but stable. There are 196 carpentry jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is 5%. That’s not explosive growth, but it’s steady, reflecting consistent demand from both residential and commercial sectors. Kenosha’s economy is anchored in manufacturing and logistics, but the residential boom in new subdivisions and the ongoing need for commercial renovations keep carpenters busy.

Here’s how experience typically translates into earnings in the Kenosha market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Kenosha Market
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Usually starts as a helper or apprentice on residential framing crews.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $65,000	Can lead a small crew, handle finish carpentry, and read complex plans.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$65,000 - $75,000+	Often a foreman or specialty lead (e.g., custom cabinetry, commercial).
Expert (15+ yrs)	$75,000+	Typically moves into project management, starts a business, or specializes.

When you compare Kenosha to other Wisconsin cities, the picture gets clearer:

• Milwaukee: Salaries are higher ($60K+ median), but rent and cost of living are significantly steeper. The trade-off is more specialized work (historic restoration, high-end custom).
• Green Bay: Salaries are comparable ($54K median), but the job market is smaller. Kenosha offers easier access to the Chicago metro job market if needed.
• Madison: Salaries are higher ($58K+ median), driven by state government and university projects, but competition is fierce.

Insider Tip: The $55,741 median is a solid starting benchmark. In Kenosha, your value is often tied to your crew and your reputation. A carpenter who can frame a house quickly and cleanly will always be in demand, especially with the new subdivisions going up near the interstate and out toward Salem.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the $55,741 salary. After federal taxes, state taxes (WI has a progressive income tax), and FICA, a single filer can expect to take home approximately $42,000 - $44,000 annually, or about $3,500 - $3,666 per month. This is a conservative estimate, but it frames your actual purchasing power.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,071/month. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a carpenter earning the median:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Kenosha Context
Rent (1BR)	$1,071	Avg. metro rate. Could be higher in newer buildings near the lake.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, gas, water, garbage. Varies by season (heating costs in WI winter).
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If through a union or employer. ACA plans may differ.
Groceries & Food	$400	Reasonable for a single person. Kenosha has good local markets.
Transportation	$300 - $400	Car payment/insurance/gas. Essential in Kenosha; public transport is limited.
Professional Tools/Union Dues	$50 - $100	Maintaining your toolkit and any union dues (if applicable).
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$200 - $300	Eating out, movies, etc. Kenosha has a low-cost social scene.
SAVINGS/DEBT PAYDOWN	$600 - $800	This is the variable. After essentials, this is what you have left.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with a clear plan. The median home price in Kenosha is around $280,000. With a 10% down payment ($28,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800 - $1,900. This is tight on the median salary unless you have a dual income or significant savings. However, many local carpenters buy homes in the $150,000 - $220,000 range in the neighborhoods listed below, which is very attainable with a 20% down payment and a solid credit score.

Insider Tip: Many carpenters in Kenosha live in duplexes or older, smaller homes in the city's central neighborhoods. A $200,000 home with a $1,000 monthly mortgage is far more manageable and common than stretching for a $300,000 new build.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Unlike major metros, Kenosha’s carpentry jobs are often with mid-sized local firms rather than national giants. Here’s where the work is:

1. L & M Construction: A Kenosha staple for over 40 years, specializing in custom residential builds and renovations. They consistently hire for framing and finish carpentry crews. Their projects are mostly in the city's western suburbs (Paris, Wheatland).
2. Kenosha County Builder's Association (KCBA) Network: While not a single employer, the KCBA is the hub for all major local contractors. Getting your name on their referral list is crucial. They connect carpenters with firms like Barrington Builders and Wisconsin Valley Construction.
3. AmeriCorps - Habitat for Humanity of Kenosha County: A fantastic entry point for new carpenters or those transitioning into the trade. They offer consistent work, on-the-job training, and community connections. It’s a resume builder that shows commitment to skill development.
4. S.C. Johnson & Son (Racine/Kenosha Border): While not a carpentry firm, SCJ's massive facilities in nearby Racine (a 20-minute drive) require constant in-house maintenance and renovation. Their facilities team hires skilled carpenters for interior remodels, office build-outs, and specialized millwork.
5. Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD): The district has a facilities department that employs carpenters for ongoing school maintenance, gymnasium renovations, and classroom updates. It’s stable, unionized work with great benefits.
6. Local Commercial Developers: Firms like The Malatesta Group and Kenosha 400 are driving commercial redevelopment downtown and along the harbor. These projects require commercial carpenters for tenant build-outs and historic renovations.
7. Uline Shipping Supplies (Wadsworth, IL): A 30-minute commute south, but a major employer. Their expansion projects and warehouse builds regularly need commercial and industrial carpenters for framing, finishing, and specialty installations.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General framing is always needed, but carpenters with expertise in green building techniques (insulation, energy-efficient details) or historic restoration (especially for the downtown harbor area) are in high demand and can command higher rates. The commercial sector is more project-based, while residential is more consistent.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear but mandatory path for professional carpenters. The process is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

• Licensing Requirements: Wisconsin does not have a "journeyman" carpenter license for general carpentry. However, you must be licensed if you are working as a contractor (performing work valued over $1,000, including labor and materials). To become a licensed Dwelling Contractor, you need:

  1. 4 Years of Experience: Documented experience working under a licensed contractor.
  2. Associate Degree in Construction or 4,000 Hours of Education: This can be from a technical college program or approved apprenticeship.
  3. Pass the State Exam: The Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Exam.
  4. Bonding and Insurance: A $25,000 surety bond and general liability insurance.

• Costs: The exam fee is $195. Surety bond costs vary but start around $500 - $1,000/year. Insurance is a significant additional cost but is non-negotiable for legal work.

• Timeline: If you have the experience, the process from application to license can take 3-6 months. If you need to complete education, add 1-2 years. The fastest route is through a registered apprenticeship program, often sponsored by local unions like the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP).

• Alternative Path: Many carpenters work as employees for a licensed contractor without needing their own license. This is common for the first 5-10 years of your career.

Insider Tip: Connect with the Wisconsin Builders Association. They offer study courses and resources for the state exam that are more current than generic online prep. Passing the exam on the first try is critical to avoiding costly delays.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live in Kenosha impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It’s Good for a Carpenter
Downtown / Harbor	Urban, walkable, near restaurants & lake. Commutes to most jobs are 5-15 mins.	$1,100 - $1,400	Close to commercial jobs, great for networking. Older buildings mean repair/renovation work is common.
Somers / Pleasant Prairie	Suburban, quiet, near I-94. Commute to western jobs is 10-20 mins; to downtown is 15-25.	$1,000 - $1,250	Close to major distribution centers (Uline) and new residential builds. More space for tools/vehicle.
Paris / Wheatland	Rural, spacious, strong community. Commute to western suburbs is 5-15 mins; to downtown is 20-30.	$850 - $1,100	Lower rent, less traffic. Ideal for framing crews based in the western projects.
Bristol / Salem	Small-town feel, 15-25 mins west of Kenosha. Commute to most jobs is 20-35 mins.	$800 - $1,000	Super affordable, tight-knit trade communities. Many carpenters live here.
North Side (near 52nd St)	Established residential, modest homes. Commute is 10-20 mins to most areas.	$800 - $1,000	Good value, close to technical schools and supply stores (e.g., Menards).

Insider Tip: If you work in commercial construction, Downtown is unbeatable for proximity to projects. If you’re in residential framing, Somers or Paris gives you a shorter commute to the western job sites and cheaper rent. Living in Bristol is a popular choice for veteran carpenters who own their own business and can manage the commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth isn’t about corporate ladders; it’s about specialization and ownership.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Custom Millwork & Cabinetry: Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Requires precision and design skills.
  • Historic Restoration: Premium work, especially with downtown harbor renovations. Can command $40+/hour as a specialist.
  • Green Building (LEED/Passive House): A growing niche. Requires additional certification but taps into a higher-end market.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Carpenter → Foreman: Leading a crew (+$5-$10/hr). Requires people skills and project management.
  2. Foreman → Project Manager: For larger firms, managing budgets and timelines (+$10-$20k salary).
  3. Carpenter → Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Starting a small residential renovation company. In Kenosha, a successful one-person operation can clear $80,000+ annually after expenses, but it requires marketing, insurance, and business acumen.
  4. Side Hustle to Business: Many carpenters in Kenosha start by taking small jobs (decks, shed builds) on weekends, then scale up.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth aligns with steady housing demand and an aging infrastructure. The big variable is the commercial sector. If major manufacturers like Uline or SCJ expand, or if downtown revitalization continues, the demand for skilled commercial carpenters will outpace residential. The key to longevity is staying on top of new materials (e.g., advanced composites) and building codes.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong purchasing power due to low cost of living (93.1 index).	Salaries are slightly below national average; significant wealth accumulation requires specialization or business ownership.
Steady, reliable job market with 196 openings and 5% growth.	Limited market for ultra-high-end custom work compared to Milwaukee or Chicago.
Access to both local and regional (Chicago) job markets without the big-city rent.	Winters are long and can slow down outdoor projects. Planning for seasonal work is crucial.
Tight-knit trade community—great for networking and finding steady crews.	Public transportation is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must-have, adding to costs.
Varied work from residential framing to historic commercial renovations.	Career advancement often requires moving into management or starting your own business.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for carpenters who value stability, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career carpenters looking to join a crew and build experience without crushing debt.
• Mid-career professionals seeking a lower cost of living and a community-focused environment.
• Entrepreneurial carpenters ready to start their own business in a supportive, less-saturated market.

It’s not the best fit for those chasing the absolute highest salary or seeking a dense, fast-paced urban environment. For a carpenter who wants to own a home, work on diverse projects, and be part of a community where your skills are genuinely respected, Kenosha offers a compelling and practical path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to join a union to work in Kenosha?
A: No. The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) is active, but much of Kenosha’s work is with non-union contractors. Union membership can provide steady work and benefits for residential/commercial projects, but many successful carpenters work independently. It’s a personal choice based on your career goals.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job as a new carpenter in Kenosha?
A: Start with the Kenosha County Builder's Association website for a list of contractors. Walk onto job sites in the morning with your tools and speak with the foreman. Also, apply directly with the firms listed above (L & M, Habitat for Humanity). Having a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle is often the first requirement they check.

Q: How do winters affect carpentry work in Kenosha?
A: Outdoor framing and siding work typically slows or stops from December to March. However, this is the peak season for interior finish work, remodels, and shop projects. Successful carpenters often transition to indoor projects or take temporary work in other trades (like heating or plumbing) to maintain income. Budgeting for this cycle is essential.

Q: Is the $55,741 median salary realistic for a single worker with a family?
A: It’s tight but possible with careful budgeting. A family would likely need a second income or to start at a higher wage. Many carpenters with families rely on dual incomes (e.g., a spouse working in healthcare or education) which is common in Kenosha. The $93.1 cost of living index helps, but child care and healthcare costs are significant factors.

Q: What’s the most important certification to get after state licensing?
A: Beyond the state contractor license, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Certification is highly valued