Construction Manager in Racine, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

As a local who’s watched Racine’s skyline change over the decades, I can tell you that construction management here isn’t about flashy megaprojects like in Milwaukee or Chicago. It’s about steady, community-focused work—building schools, repairing infrastructure, and managing the renovation of our historic lakefront homes. The salary data reflects this reality: a solid, middle-class wage that goes further here than in most places.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Construction Manager in Racine is $106,586/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.24/hour. This positions Racine slightly below the national average of $108,210/year. It’s a modest gap, but one that’s more than compensated for by the local cost of living. The Racine metro area has 153 active jobs for Construction Managers, with a 10-year job growth projection of 8%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it indicates stability, driven by ongoing public works projects, industrial maintenance, and residential development in the surrounding townships.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local hiring trends and industry conversations.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$75,000 - $90,000	Project coordinator, junior estimator, assistant superintendent under direct supervision.
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$95,000 - $120,000	Managing small to medium projects, client liaison, budget oversight, subcontractor coordination.
Senior	9-15 years	$120,000 - $145,000	Managing large/commercial projects, complex logistics, high-stakes client relations, risk management.
Expert	15+ years	$145,000+	Executive roles, company-wide operations, business development, specialized project types (e.g., healthcare, industrial).

Insider Tip: The upper end of these ranges is more readily achievable with a Professional Engineer (PE) license, a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential, or specialization in high-demand niches like institutional construction (hospitals, schools) or industrial plant maintenance. Local firms like Johnson Controls and SC Johnson value these credentials and pay a premium for them.

How Racine Compares to Other Wisconsin Cities:
Racine’s salary is competitive within the state’s landscape. It’s lower than the booming markets of Madison (where state government and university projects drive wages higher) and Milwaukee (a larger, more diverse market with major corporate HQs). However, it’s on par with nearby Kenosha and slightly above smaller markets like Janesville. The real win is the cost-of-living advantage. A construction manager in Racine takes home more purchasing power than a colleague earning the same salary in Madison or Milwaukee.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. What does a $106,586 salary actually mean for your bank account in Racine? We’ll break it down with a realistic monthly budget for a single person with no dependents, assuming a standard tax burden (federal, state, FICA).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Construction Manager Earning $106,586/year:

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,882	$106,586 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes	-$2,600	Approx. 29% effective rate (federal, WI state, FICA)
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,282
Rent (1BR Average)	-$842	Citywide average; can be lower or higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$200	Varies by season; Racine’s winters can bump heating costs.
Groceries	-$450	Based on moderate spending for one adult.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential in Racine; public transit is limited.
Gas/Fuel	-$150	Commuting to job sites across the county adds up.
Health Insurance	-$250	If not fully covered by employer.
Retirement (401k, 5%)	-$533	$5,329/year; highly recommended for long-term stability.
Misc/Entertainment	-$500	Dining out, hobbies, personal care.
Remaining	$2,907	This is your savings and buffer.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely, yes. This is where Racine truly shines. With $2,907 in potential monthly savings, you are in a strong position to build a down payment quickly. The median home value in Racine is approximately $210,000 (Zillow, 2023). A 20% down payment would be $42,000. At your savings rate, you could save this in under 18 months.

Your mortgage payment on a $168,000 loan (30-year fixed at 7%, for example) would be around $1,115. Adding property taxes and insurance, your total housing cost might be $1,400-$1,500/month. This is still well within the 28% guideline of your net pay. Homeownership is not just feasible; it’s a smart financial move here.

Insider Tip: Look at neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant or Sturtevant for newer construction at a better price point, or consider the historic districts in Racine’s North Side for character and value. For a construction pro, a "fixer-upper" in the city’s older housing stock can be both a personal project and a wise investment.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine’s job market for construction managers is anchored by its industrial heritage, public institutions, and growing healthcare sector. It’s not a tech boom town; it’s a place where skilled project managers are needed to keep the city’s core infrastructure and businesses running. Here are the key players:

1. SC Johnson & Son: A global leader with its massive headquarters and manufacturing complex in Racine. They are perpetually engaged in facility maintenance, expansion, and sustainability projects (like their iconic solar arrays). They hire construction and project managers directly for in-house operations. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value long-term stability in candidates.

2. S.C. Johnson Racine Plant - (Various Contractors): Beyond SCJ’s own staff, a web of general contractors (like Mortenson, Gilbane) and specialty subcontractors (MEP, concrete, steel) work on site. These firms often have project managers based locally for the duration of contracts. This is a prime source of high-profile, well-funded projects.

3. Johnson Controls, Inc.: Another global giant with significant Racine operations. Their focus on building efficiency, HVAC, and fire safety means they need project managers to oversee installation and retrofitting projects in commercial buildings across southeastern Wisconsin. Their projects are complex and technical.

4. Racine Unified School District (RUSD): As the 4th largest district in Wisconsin, RUSD manages a constant portfolio of capital improvement projects—new schools, renovations, and infrastructure upgrades. These are publicly funded, stable projects ideal for managers who prefer predictable timelines and budgets. They hire directly for a Project Manager and use a roster of approved GCs.

5. Racine County: The county government manages roads, bridges, parks, and public facilities. Their Department of Public Works and Facilities Management is a consistent employer. Projects here are infrastructure-heavy (roads, sewers, water treatment) and offer great experience in public sector contracting.

6. Aurora Medical Center - Mount Pleasant (and other healthcare systems): Aurora Health Care (now Advocate Aurora) has a major presence in the area. Healthcare construction is a specialty field with stringent codes and complex coordination. These projects pay a premium and require managers with specific experience or a willingness to learn the niche.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable, not frenetic. Most hires come through professional networks and LinkedIn. Many positions are filled by subcontractors moving up to GCs or by managers relocating from larger markets seeking a better work-life balance. A key trend is the demand for managers with experience in sustainable construction (LEED, energy efficiency) and safety management (OSHA 30, CHST).

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state-level "Construction Manager License." Instead, the profession is regulated through a combination of contractor licensing and professional engineering (PE) licensure, depending on your scope of work.

Key Requirements and Steps:

1. Wisconsin Contractor Registration: If you are bidding or supervising projects over $25,000 for construction, alteration, or repair, you or your employer must have a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License. This is the most common credential for residential and small commercial work. It requires:

   • Proof of at least 4 years of experience in the trade.
   • Passing the Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Exam.
   • Submitting a financial statement and providing proof of insurance (general liability, workers' comp).
   • Cost: Exam fee ~$200, license fee ~$200, plus insurance costs (varies widely).

2. Professional Engineer (PE) License: If you are performing "design-build" work or stamping plans (i.e., you are both the designer and the builder), you will need a PE license. This is a longer path:

   • Requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree (BS or higher).
   • Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
   • Gain 4 years of progressive experience under a PE.
   • Pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
   • Cost: Exams are ~$200 each, with study materials costing more.

Timeline to Get Started:

• For the Contractor Qualifier License: 3-6 months to study, schedule the exam, and submit paperwork.
• For a PE License: 5-9 years (degree + experience + exams).

Insider Tip: Most Construction Managers do not need a PE license unless they are in a design-build firm. Focus on the Dwelling Contractor Qualifier License if you plan to work with residential builders. For commercial work, the employer’s general contractor license covers you. Always check with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) for the most current requirements.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Your neighborhood choice in Racine will heavily influence your commute, social life, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for a CM
Mount Pleasant	Suburban, family-friendly, modern. Close to I-94 for commuting to job sites in Milwaukee or Kenosha.	$900 - $1,100	Newer apartment complexes, easy highway access, close to shopping (Racine's "North" side).
Downtown/ Historic District	Walkable, urban, historic charm. Close to Lake Michigan and the Riverwalk.	$800 - $1,000	Ideal for those who want a short commute to city-based projects. More character, but older buildings.
Sturtevant	Quiet, village feel, very close to I-94. Technically a separate village but part of the metro.	$800 - $950	Arguably the best commute. Affordable, safe, with quick access to both Racine and Kenosha.
North Side (e.g., Lincoln Park)	Established, working-class, diverse. More affordable housing stock.	$650 - $800	Great value. Closer to industrial areas like the SC Johnson plant. You’ll be in the heart of many project sites.
Wind Point / Caledonia	Upscale, low-density, lakefront. More rural, with larger lots.	$1,000 - $1,400+	For those seeking a quieter, more spacious home life. Commute is longer to the city center but manageable.

Insider Tip: If you’re new to Racine, consider a 6-month lease in Sturtevant or Mount Pleasant. It gives you flexibility to explore the area on weekends and figure out which part of the metro aligns with your job sites and personal preferences before committing to a home purchase.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Racine, career growth is less about dramatic title changes and more about specialization, networking, and moving into higher-value project types.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare/Institutional Construction: Managers with this experience can command a 10-15% premium over a generalist. The codes and coordination are complex, but the projects are large and prestigious.
• Industrial/Manufacturing: Experience with SC Johnson or Johnson Controls projects is a golden ticket. It demonstrates you can handle specialized environments and high-stakes operations.
• Sustainability (LEED, Passive House): A growing niche. With Wisconsin’s focus on energy efficiency, managers who can navigate green building standards are increasingly valuable.
• BIM/Technology Proficiency: Mastering software like Autodesk BIM 360, Procore, or Bluebeam is expected. It’s a baseline skill, not a premium one, but it’s non-negotiable for top-tier firms.

Advancement Paths:

1. Project Manager → Senior Project Manager: This is the most common path, scaling up the complexity and size of the projects you manage.
2. Project Manager → Operations Manager/Director: Moving from managing individual projects to overseeing a portfolio of projects, a regional office, or a company’s entire field operations.
3. Project Manager → Business Development or Estimating Director: Leveraging your field experience to win work or set the financial strategy for bids.
4. Corporate Ladder: At large firms like Johnson Controls or SC Johnson, you can move into global project management roles, though this often requires relocation.

10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth suggests a stable, if not explosive, market. The key growth areas will be in infrastructure renewal (Racine’s aging water mains and roads), industrial retrofitting (converting old factories to new uses), and healthcare expansion. The biggest threat is a major economic downturn, which would slow construction. Your best defense is versatility and a strong local network.

Insider Tip: Join the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin and attend their Racine chapter meetings. This is where you’ll meet the people who own the local GCs and subcontractors. It’s the single most effective way to find new opportunities and stay ahead of the curve.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine isn’t for the seeker of a fast-paced, high-flying city career. It’s for the professional who values stability, affordability, and a sense of community. It’s a place where your salary stretches far, you can afford a home, and you can be home for dinner most nights.

Here’s a final, honest assessment:

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $106,586 salary provides a high quality of life and homeownership is very attainable.	Smaller Job Market: Only 153 jobs means opportunities are limited. Relocation may require patience.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Anchored by global giants (SCJ, Johnson Controls) and public institutions (RUSD, County).	Slower Pace: Less "buzz" and fewer networking events than Milwaukee or Chicago. Career moves can be slower.
Strong Work-Life Balance: Projects are generally local. No need for extensive travel or 80-hour weeks (outside of major deadlines).	Limited Cultural Scene: While improving, Racine's dining, arts, and nightlife are more subdued than a major metro.
Affordable Housing: With median home values at ~$210,000, you can build equity quickly.	Weather: Harsh, long winters can impact construction schedules and daily life.
Proximity to Milwaukee: Close enough for a weekend trip to a larger city, but with Racine's lower costs.	Public Transit is Limited: A car is a necessity for commuting to dispersed job sites.

Final Recommendation:
Racine is an excellent choice for Construction Managers who are in the mid-to-late stage of their career, looking to buy a home, and value stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. It’s ideal for someone with 5-15 years of experience looking to leverage that tenure into a senior role at a stable local firm. For a brand-new professional, it may be better to cut your teeth in a larger market (like Milwaukee) for 3-5 years and then consider Racine for a better work-life balance and cost of living. The numbers work, the opportunities are there—they just require a pragmatic, long-term perspective.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the Racine construction job market?
A: It’s competitive in the sense that there are a limited number of openings (153 jobs), but less so than in larger cities. Most competition comes from internal promotions within existing companies. Coming in from outside requires a standout resume, often with a specific skill set (like healthcare or industrial experience) that a local firm needs.

**Q: Is it necessary to