Chef/Head Cook in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local who has seen the Kenosha culinary scene evolve from classic supper clubs to a thriving food hall, let's talk brass tacks. The salary for a Chef/Head Cook in Kenosha is solid for the region, but it's important to understand the context. The median salary here is $59,680/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.69/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $60,350/year, but that gap is more than made up for by Kenosha's significantly lower cost of living. The metro area supports 196 jobs for this role, with a modest 10-year job growth projection of 5%. This isn't a booming sector, but it's stable. You're not chasing a fleeting trend here; you're building a career in a community that appreciates good, honest food.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our local market. This is based on industry benchmarks and conversations with local restaurateurs, not just raw data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Typical Kenosha Venues
Entry-Level (1-3 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Line cook at a country club, assistant cook at a mid-tier restaurant
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$52,000 - $65,000	Sous chef at a popular downtown spot, head cook at a hotel or hospital
Senior (8-12 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Chef de cuisine at a fine-dining establishment, executive chef at a large catering company
Expert/Executive (13+ years)	$78,000+	Executive chef for a restaurant group, corporate chef for a local institution

Insider Tip: While the median is $59,680, top chefs at the most established restaurants or private clubs can push into the $70,000+ range, especially if they manage significant catering operations or have a proven track record for cost control.

Now, let's compare Kenosha to other Wisconsin cities. Milwaukee, a much larger metro, has a higher median salary (around $62,000+) but also a cost of living that's about 10-15% higher. Madison, home to the state capital and a major university, sees similar starting salaries but intense competition. In contrast, smaller cities like Racine or Appleton often see salaries closer to $55,000. Kenosha sits in a sweet spot, offering a competitive wage for the cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. On a median salary of $59,680, your take-home pay after Wisconsin state taxes (approx. 3.5% - 5.2%), federal taxes, and FICA will be roughly $4,100 - $4,300 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Kenosha is $1,071/month. This is a key metric. Your rent should ideally be no more than 30% of your gross income to maintain financial health. At $59,680, that's about $1,492/month. So, the average rent is well within a healthy range, leaving you a comfortable buffer.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated):

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$4,973
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $4,200
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,071
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Dining Out/Entertainment: $300
• Savings/Debt/Payment: $1,379

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, with planning. The median home price in Kenosha County hovers around $275,000. On a $59,680 salary, a lender would typically approve a mortgage of about $220,000 - $240,000 with a good credit score (680+) and a 5-10% down payment. This means a home in the $260,000 - $280,000 range is very attainable. Many chefs I know have purchased homes in the $150,000 - $200,000 range in areas like the Washington Park or Bennett Park neighborhoods, which are stable and close to many employers.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

The Kenosha job market for Chef/Head Cooks is diverse. While you won't find a dozen Michelin-starred kitchens, you'll find stable, reputable employers in several sectors.

1. Hospitality & Hotels: The Harborside and The Stella (part of The Stella Hotel and Ballroom) are major players. They host weddings, corporate events, and have in-house restaurants. Hiring trends here are seasonal but consistent, with a need for banquet chefs and restaurant heads.
2. Healthcare & Institutional Food: Aurora Medical Center Kenosha and St. Joseph's Hospital (part of Advocate Aurora) are massive employers. They run cafeterias, patient meal services, and catering. These jobs offer great benefits, regular hours, and stability, though the pay can be slightly lower than fine dining. Kenosha Unified School District is another major institutional employer for lunch program managers.
3. Country Clubs & Private Clubs: Bristol Oaks Country Club and Spring Lake Golf Club are prime employers. They seek chefs who can execute high-end banquets and manage club dining rooms. This is a "who you know" market; networking is key.
4. Local Restaurant Groups: While not a single entity, the collective of restaurants along 56th Street and Harbor Drive (like The Boathouse, Naked Oyster, Taco Fresco, Bennett's for catering) forms a significant market. The Kitchen is a notable chef-driven spot. Hiring is often done through word-of-mouth.
5. Catering & Special Events: Companies like Bella's Catering and The Carriage House are major players for weddings and corporate events, requiring chefs skilled in large-scale production and menu planning.
6. Food Manufacturing & Supply: While not direct kitchen roles, Jockey International (for their internal cafeteria) and local food producers sometimes need chefs for product development or internal events.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs are never posted online. Walk into a restaurant you admire during a slow afternoon (2-3 PM) and ask to speak to the chef. Bring a resume. Kenosha's culinary community is small and personal.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not require a state-level license to work as a Chef or Head Cook. You do not need a specific "Chef's License" to cook professionally. However, there are critical requirements.

1. Food Manager Certification: Most employers will require you to have a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification. This is a state-recognized credential. You get it by passing an exam from an accredited provider like ServSafe (National Restaurant Association) or Prometric.

   • Cost: $100 - $200 for the training course and exam.
   • Timeline: You can study online (10-15 hours) and take the exam in a day. It's valid for 5 years.

2. Alcohol Server Certification: If your role involves managing a bar or serving alcohol, you'll need a Responsible Beverage Server (RBS) certificate. This is a Wisconsin-specific requirement.

   • Cost: $35 - $50 for the online course.
   • Timeline: 3-4 hours online. Required for all managers and often recommended for all staff.

3. Business Licensing (If Opening Your Own Place): If you aspire to open your own food truck or restaurant, you'll need to navigate the City of Kenosha's Department of Public Works for health permits and business licenses. The process can take 3-6 months and costs $500 - $2,000+ in fees.

Recommendation: Start with your ServSafe CFPM before you move. It’s a universal stamp of credibility and will make you a more attractive candidate to any Kenosha employer.

Best Neighborhoods for Chef/Head Cooks

Location matters for both commute and lifestyle. Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Proximity to Major Employers
Downtown/Uptown	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to harbor, restaurants, and nightlife. Perfect for a chef who wants to live where they work.	$1,000 - $1,250	Excellent. Walk to The Boathouse, Naked Oyster, and the Harbor.
Washington Park	Quiet, residential, and affordable. Established homes with yards. Great for chefs with families or those who value space.	$800 - $1,000	Good. 5-10 minute drive to most employers on 52nd St. or the hospital.
Somers	Suburban, growing. Newer apartment complexes and subdivisions. Favorable for those working at Aurora or the country clubs.	$1,100 - $1,300	Excellent for Aurora Medical Center, Bristol Oaks. 10-15 min commute.
40th Street Corridor	Mixed-use, convenient. Big-box stores, restaurants, and older apartment buildings. A practical, no-fuss choice.	$900 - $1,100	Central location. Easy access to 52nd St., I-94, and the hospital.
Harrison/Portland	Historic, affluent. Large, beautiful homes. You're more likely to find a chef living here as a homeowner than renting.	$1,200+ (if renting)	Good. 10-minute drive to downtown or the hospital.

Insider Tip: For a Chef/Head Cook, Downtown is unbeatable for networking and convenience. However, if you're looking to buy a home and save money, Washington Park offers incredible value and is still a very short commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth isn't about jumping to a new city; it's about deepening your skills and your network. The 10-year outlook is stable but requires initiative.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Banquet/Event Chef: Specializing in weddings and large events can command a $5,000 - $10,000 premium over a standard restaurant chef salary.
  • Catering & Menu Development: Chefs who can design scalable menus for catering (a huge market in Kenosha) are highly valued.
  • Farm-to-Table Knowledge: As the local food scene grows, chefs who have relationships with Kenosha County farmers (like those at the Kenosha County Farmers Market) can develop unique menus that command higher prices and salaries.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Sous Chef → Chef de Cuisine: The standard path. Requires mastering kitchen management, not just cooking.
  2. Chef → Executive Chef: This move is less about cooking and more about business: profit & loss, staffing, vendor negotiations. It requires taking courses in culinary management or business.
  3. Chef → Owner/Operator: The ultimate step. Many successful Kenosha chefs start with a food truck or pop-up before investing in a brick-and-mortar. This path has the highest risk and reward.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% job growth is slow, but it's not zero. The growth will be in niche areas: private chefs for the wealthy in nearby Lake Geneva, specialized catering, and potentially new concepts in the developing HarborDrive area. The key is to avoid stagnation. After 5 years, you should be looking to move from a line cook role to a management position, or from a sous chef to an executive role.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Kenosha offers a balanced, realistic career for a Chef/Head Cook. It's not a high-stakes, high-reward market like Chicago or New York, but it provides a stable, affordable path to a good life in a community that values craftsmanship.

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Low cost of living (96.3 Index) means your $59,680 salary goes far. You can afford a home.	Limited Fine-Dining Scene: Fewer opportunities for chefs at the top tier of the culinary world.
Stable Job Market: Established employers in healthcare, hospitality, and country clubs.	Slower Career Mobility: Fewer jobs mean less competition but also fewer openings to jump to.
Great Work/Life Balance: Many institutional and club jobs offer predictable schedules, unlike 24/7 city kitchens.	"Who You Know" Culture: Landing the best jobs often requires local networking.
Vibrant Local Food Scene: Strong farmers market, food trucks, and a growing appreciation for local cuisine.	Limited Public Transit: A car is essential. Commutes can add cost (gas, insurance).
Proximity to Chicago & Milwaukee: Easy access to big-city inspiration and occasional gigs.	Seasonal Tourism: Some jobs (like at the harbor restaurants) are highly seasonal.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an excellent choice for a chef looking for stability, affordability, and a community-focused career. It's ideal for mid-career chefs ready to buy a home, start a family, or transition into a management role. It may be less suitable for a young, ambitious chef seeking the most avant-garde culinary experiences, though the proximity to Chicago mitigates this. If you value a solid paycheck, a low cost of living, and a supportive community over the chaos of a major metropolis, Kenosha is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a culinary degree to get a job as a Chef/Head Cook in Kenosha?
No. While a degree from a place like Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is respected, hands-on experience is king in Kenosha. Most chefs I know have climbed the ladder from dishwashing to line cook to sous chef. A degree can help you land your first job faster, but proven skill in a kitchen is what gets you hired.

2. How competitive is the job market?
It's moderately competitive. With only 196 jobs in the metro, openings aren't constant. However, turnover isn't as high as in larger cities. The key is to apply quickly when a position is posted and to network. The local chapter of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association is a valuable resource.

3. What's the biggest challenge for a new Chef/Head Cook in Kenosha?
Building a local reputation. Kenosha's culinary community is tight-knit. Your reputation for reliability, skill, and attitude will follow you. It's a double-edged sword: a good reputation brings opportunities, but a bad one can close doors quickly. Be professional, personable, and consistent.

4. Is the cost of living really that much lower than Milwaukee?
Yes. While rent in Milwaukee's trendy neighborhoods can be $1,400+ for a 1BR, Kenosha's average is $1,071. Groceries, utilities, and even car insurance are often 5-10% cheaper. Your $59,680 in Kenosha feels like $65,000 - $70,000 in Milwaukee.

5. Can I find work without a car in Kenosha?
It's very difficult. Public bus routes exist but don't run frequently or late at night, which aligns poorly with chef hours. Most employers are located in commercial corridors (52nd St., 60th St., Harbor Drive) that are not pedestrian-friendly. A reliable car is a non-negotiable tool for this career in Kenosha.