Carpenter in Racine, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

For a carpenter, Racine offers a cost of living that’s easier on the wallet than many places, but the local salary picture needs a clear-eyed look. The median salary for a carpenter in the Racine metro area is $56,066 per year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to $26.95 per hour. It’s important to contextualize this. The national average for all carpenters is $56,920, meaning Racine sits just slightly below the national benchmark. The trade-off, and a key consideration, is the much lower cost of living here compared to the national average and coastal cities. The metro area supports 153 carpenter jobs, which is a modest but stable number for a city of its size. Looking forward, the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn't explosive growth, but it’s positive and indicates steady demand, largely driven by the constant need for residential repair, maintenance, and some new construction in the area.

To give you a clearer picture of earnings potential based on experience, here’s a typical breakdown:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $49,000	$20.00 - $23.50
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$52,000 - $63,000	$25.00 - $30.25
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $72,000	$28.80 - $34.60
Expert/Foreman (15+ years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	$33.60 - $40.85+

When you compare Racine to other Wisconsin cities, its position becomes clearer. Milwaukee, with its larger construction market and higher cost of living, typically offers a higher median wage (often in the $62,000-$68,000 range). Green Bay, another mid-sized market, often aligns closely with Racine, sometimes slightly below. Madison, with its booming university and state government-driven projects, generally pays more than Racine, often exceeding $60,000 for experienced tradespeople. The trade-off is that Racine’s housing costs are significantly lower than in Madison or Milwaukee, which can make the real value of the paycheck in Racine more competitive than the raw salary numbers suggest.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk about what $56,066 actually means for day-to-day life in Racine. This calculation doesn’t account for pre-tax deductions like health insurance or retirement, but it gives a solid baseline.

• Gross Annual Salary: $56,066
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$10,400 (approx. 18.5% effective rate)
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$45,666
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,805

Now, let’s factor in rent. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Racine is $842/month. This is a major advantage, as it represents only about 22% of your net monthly income. This leaves you with a comfortable cushion for other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter Earning $56,066:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	% of Net Income
Rent (1BR)	$842	22%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	5.3%
Groceries & Household	$400	10.5%
Transportation (Car payment/insurance/gas)	$450	11.8%
Healthcare (Out-of-pocket)	$150	3.9%
Entertainment & Dining	$300	7.9%
Savings/Debt/Other	$1,463	38.4%
Total	$3,805	100%

Can they afford to buy a home? This is a key question for long-term stability. The median home price in Racine County hovers around $225,000. With a 10% down payment ($22,500), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $1,550. This payment would consume about 41% of your net monthly income, which is on the higher end of what’s considered manageable. It’s doable, especially with dual income, but it requires careful budgeting. The lower rent cost is a powerful tool here; saving the difference between rent and a mortgage payment could help you build that down payment faster than in more expensive markets.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine’s construction market isn’t dominated by massive skyscrapers, but by a steady mix of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The job market for carpenters is composed of several key players:

1. Hoffman Construction: A major regional firm headquartered in nearby New Berlin, but with a significant presence in Racine. They specialize in commercial, healthcare, and retail projects. They often hire for larger-scale builds and renovations, which can mean longer-term projects rather than quick residential jobs.
2. Racine County’s Housing Authority & Local Development Corporations: Entities like the Racine Community Development Authority manage affordable housing projects and neighborhood revitalization grants. These are public-sector or publicly-funded jobs that can offer stable, project-based employment.
3. Local Residential Builders & Remodeling Firms: Companies like KRM Building & Remodeling or Kohler Builders (based in nearby Kohler, but serving Racine) are the backbone of the residential market. They handle everything from custom home builds to kitchen remodels. Hiring trends here are highly dependent on the housing market’s health, but the constant need for updates in Racine’s older housing stock provides steady work.
4. Manufacturing & Industrial Facilities: Companies like Modine Manufacturing and Racine Federated (manufacturer of pumps) have facilities in the area. These facilities require in-house maintenance carpenters for plant upkeep, remodels of office spaces, and repair of structural elements. This is often a more stable, W-2 type of job with benefits, though it may involve more industrial safety protocols.
5. Union Contractors (Local 501): The Southeast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council represents union carpenters. Local contractors who are signatory to unions (like Kenosha-based firms that work in Racine) provide work for union members. Being a union carpenter can mean access to a wider range of commercial and public projects, higher wages on large jobs, and pension benefits. It’s a path to higher earnings potential, especially for those who become journeyman.
6. Self-Employment & Small Crews: A significant portion of the carpentry work in Racine is done by independent contractors and small crews. Platforms like Angi (formerly Angie’s List) and word-of-mouth referrals are crucial here. The city’s older housing stock (many homes pre-1960) guarantees demand for repair work. Insider Tip: Building relationships with local real estate agents and property managers can be a goldmine for finding consistent side work or small jobs.

Hiring Trends: Demand is generally steady. The 5% growth projection aligns with this. The biggest current need is for versatile carpenters who can handle both rough framing and finish carpentry. Specialized skills in energy-efficient building techniques or historic home restoration are also in demand, as Racine has many historic neighborhoods (like the Monument Square district) where homeowners seek contractors with specific expertise.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. This is a key point for any carpenter moving from a state that does. Instead, licensing is handled at the local (city or county) level for specific trades like electrical or plumbing, but for general carpentry, your path to legitimacy is through certification and bonding.

• State-Level Requirements: The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is the main resource. For general construction work, you typically need to register as a Home Improvement Contractor if you’re doing residential work. This requires proof of two years of work experience (or a combination of education and experience), a passing score on a business and law exam, and a surety bond. The bond amount is usually around $10,000.
• Costs:
  • Application Fee: ~$150 (varies by municipality).
  • Exam Fee: ~$150.
  • Surety Bond: Annual premium can range from $100 to $300 for a $10,000 bond, depending on credit.
  • Insurance: General liability insurance is a must. A basic policy can start at $500-$1,000/year.
• Timeline: The process can take 2-4 months. You can start as a helper or apprentice immediately. To become a registered contractor, you need to gather your experience documentation, study for the exam, get your bond and insurance in place, and then submit the application to the DSPS and your local municipality (City of Racine Building Inspection Division).
• Insider Tip: Even without a state license, certification from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) or the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) can significantly boost your credibility and earning potential in the Racine market, especially for higher-end residential work.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Choosing where to live in Racine impacts your commute, lifestyle, and expenses. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Downtown Racine/Waterfront: This area is seeing a renaissance with new apartments and condos. It’s walkable, with cafes and Lake Michigan views. Commute to job sites in the city is minimal (5-10 minutes). It’s great for a younger, social carpenter who doesn’t mind a slightly higher rent for the lifestyle. Rent estimate for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200/month.
2. North Side (Near Washington Park): A stable, working-class residential area with many post-WWII homes. This puts you close to the Hoffman Construction projects and the industrial corridors. It’s affordable and offers a quick 10-15 minute commute to most job sites. Rent estimate for a 1BR: $700 - $900/month.
3. Mount Pleasant (West of I-41): This suburb is growing rapidly, with new subdivisions and commercial developments. It’s ideal for carpenters focused on new residential construction. Commutes are easy via Highway 20 or I-94. The lifestyle is more suburban with parks and schools. Rent estimate for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100/month.
4. Caledonia (North of Racine): A more rural, spacious community. It’s perfect for a carpenter who wants a larger property (for a home shop, perhaps) and doesn’t mind a 20-25 minute commute into Racine. Many custom builders work out this way. Rent estimate for a 1BR (less common, but 2BR houses are typical): $1,000+ for a house.
5. Sturtevant (East of I-94): A small village right on the Racine/Kenosha county line. It’s a strategic location if you want to bid on jobs in both Racine and Kenosha. The commute to Racine is 10-15 minutes. It’s quiet and less expensive. Rent estimate for a 1BR: $750 - $950/month.

Insider Tip: The North Side and Mount Pleasant offer the best balance of affordable rent and central access to the majority of carpentry work in the area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Letting your skills stagnate will keep you at the median. Growth in Racine comes from specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpenter/Custom Cabinet Maker: Can command $35-$45/hour due to high demand for quality details in kitchen remodels and historic homes.
  • Historic Preservation Specialist: Working on the city’s 19th-century housing stock (like the DeKoven Center or homes near Monument Square) can lead to premium rates, as it requires niche skills.
  • Framing Lead for Production Builders: If you can manage a crew for a builder like The Dierks Group (a larger regional developer), you can move from hourly to salary, often in the $70,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Foreman: The standard path. Gain experience, get your contractor license, and move into project management.
  2. Specialist to Business Owner: Start as a self-employed finish carpenter, build a portfolio, and then hire help to expand into a small remodeling firm.
  3. Union Path: Join Local 501, get on with a union contractor, and work your way up to a steward or superintendent on large commercial projects. This path often includes pension and annuity benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is conservative. It won’t boom, but it won’t crash. The real opportunity is in the green building sector. Wisconsin is adopting stricter energy codes. Carpenters who understand air sealing, advanced framing, and installing energy-efficient windows and insulation will be in high demand. Racine’s older homes are a perfect market for this type of retrofit work. Additionally, the Lake Michigan coastline and its related tourism and hospitality infrastructure will always need maintenance and upgrades, providing a steady, long-term stream of work.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine is a pragmatic choice for a carpenter. It’s not where you’ll get the highest wage, but where your paycheck will stretch the furthest. It’s a city of steady work, not get-rich-quick projects.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: $842 rent vs. $56,066 median salary is a strong financial foundation.	Median Salary is Below National Average: You’ll need to be skilled to hit the upper end of the pay scale.
Steady Job Market: 153 jobs and 5% growth indicate stability, not volatility.	Smaller Metro Market: Fewer large-scale commercial projects than Milwaukee or Madison.
Diverse Employer Base: From residential remodelers to industrial maintenance.	Union Density is Moderate: Union work is available but not as prevalent as in major metros.
Strategic Location: Close to Milwaukee and Chicago for larger project opportunities.	Limited High-End Custom Work: Compared to Madison or the Lake Country, the market for multi-million dollar custom homes is smaller.
Affordable Home Ownership: A realistic goal for a skilled, disciplined carpenter.	Economic Reliance: Tied to manufacturing and the broader US economy; downturns can hit harder.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent fit for a mid-career carpenter (3-10 years experience) who values financial stability and homeownership over the hustle and high costs of a major coastal city. It’s also a great starting point for an entry-level carpenter to gain experience without overwhelming debt. It may be less ideal for a highly specialized expert seeking the absolute top of the market, unless they are willing to serve the nearby Milwaukee and Chicago areas. For most, it offers a balanced, sustainable career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Racine?
Yes, absolutely. While downtown is walkable, most job sites are spread out across the city and suburbs. Public transit (Racine Transit) exists but is not reliable for construction schedules. A reliable truck or van is essential for your tools.

2. What’s the biggest challenge for a new carpenter in Racine?
Building a client base if you go self-employed. The market is competitive with many established small contractors. Networking with realtors, property managers, and other trades (plumbers, electricians) is critical. Starting with a few jobs from friends or family in the area is the best way to get local references.

3. How does the union work here?
The Southeast Wisconsin Building & Construction Trades Council is the umbrella organization. Carpenters are represented by Local 501. You can apply for union membership, which involves an aptitude test and an interview. Union work is more common on commercial, institutional, and public projects. The pay scale is often higher than non-union, especially on large jobs, but you may have periods of unemployment between projects.

4. Is Racine’s job market affected by seasonality?
Yes. In Southeast Wisconsin, outdoor construction typically runs from April through November. Snow and sub-freezing temperatures halt most exterior work. However, interior remodeling, commercial fit-outs, and industrial maintenance are year-round. Many carpenters plan for this and may take on less physically demanding work or focus on their own business development during the winter months.