Data Analyst in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kenosha offers a solid, if not spectacular, financial foundation for a Data Analyst. The numbers paint a clear picture: the median salary here is $81,634/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.25/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but that gap is more than offset by Kenosha's cost of living. We're a manufacturing and logistics hub, not a tech behemoth like Austin or San Francisco, so tech salaries reflect that. However, with 196 data analyst jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 36%, the demand is robust and growing faster than the national average for the role.

To give you a clearer sense of the market, here’s how compensation typically breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers at This Level
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Aurora Health Care, local manufacturing firms, small logistics companies
Mid-Level	$70,000 - $90,000	Kenosha County, large manufacturers (Jockey, Uline), UW-Parkside
Senior-Level	$90,000 - $115,000	Regional corporate HQs, healthcare systems, consulting firms
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	Major corporate divisions, specialized analytics firms, management roles

How does Kenosha stack up against other Wisconsin cities? It's a middle-ground player. You'll earn more in Milwaukee (median ~$85k) and Madison (median ~$88k), but those cities have significantly higher costs of living. Green Bay and Appleton offer similar salaries but with a smaller, more tight-knit job market. Kenosha's sweet spot is providing a comparable wage to larger metros while anchoring you in a community where your paycheck goes further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $81,634 is the headline, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life? First, we need to account for taxes. In Wisconsin, your effective tax rate (federal, state, FICA) will be roughly 22-25% for this income bracket, leaving you with a net take-home pay of approximately $60,000 - $62,000 per year, or about $5,000 - $5,167 per month.

Now, let's factor in housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kenosha is $1,071/month. This leaves you with a comfortable $3,900 - $4,096 per month for all other expenses (utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, savings, and entertainment).

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is one of Kenosha's biggest advantages. With a median home price around $275,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $55,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would give you a monthly payment of ~$1,395 (principal & interest), plus taxes and insurance, likely landing under $1,700 total. Compared to your net monthly income, this is highly feasible for a mid-career analyst. Many locals in your field own homes within 5-10 years of starting their careers.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the city of Kenosha proper. Check out Pleasant Prairie and Somers for slightly newer housing stock and excellent schools, which are very popular with young professionals and families.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's job market for data analysts is anchored by its historic and emerging industries. You won't find Google or Meta, but you will find stable, data-driven roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and public administration.

1. Aurora Health Care (now Advocate Aurora Health): With multiple clinics and a major presence in the region, they are a top employer for healthcare data analysts. They need people to analyze patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial data. Hiring is steady, often for roles focused on SQL, Tableau, and healthcare-specific platforms.
2. Uline: Headquartered in nearby Pleasant Prairie, this shipping supply giant is a massive local employer. Their logistics and supply chain operations generate immense datasets. Analysts here work on inventory optimization, sales trends, and operational metrics. They often look for candidates with strong Excel, SQL, and sometimes Python skills.
3. Jockey International: This iconic apparel company is based in Kenosha. They rely on data for retail analytics, supply chain management, and consumer trends. It's a classic example of a traditional company modernizing its data practices.
4. Kenosha County Government: The county and city governments employ data analysts for everything from public health statistics and demographic studies to budget forecasting and GIS mapping. These roles often require knowledge of public data sources and specific tools like ArcGIS.
5. University of Wisconsin-Parkside: The university hires analysts for institutional research (enrollment trends, student success metrics) and for grant-funded projects. It's a great environment for those who enjoy academic or research-oriented data work.
6. Manufacturing & Logistics: Beyond Uline and Jockey, Kenosha County has over 200 manufacturing facilities. Companies like Twin Disc (industrial equipment) and Bridgestone (tires) employ analysts to monitor production line efficiency, quality control, and supply chain logistics. These roles are often overlooked but are crucial to the local economy.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward hybrid models. Many local companies are now offering 2-3 days a week remote, which is a big plus. The demand is strongest for analysts who can bridge the gap between raw data and business decision-making—think not just SQL, but communication and visualization skills.

Getting Licensed in WI

Good news: there is no state-specific license required to work as a Data Analyst in Wisconsin. The field is credential-driven, not license-driven. Your "license" is your skillset, portfolio, and experience.

However, if you want to stand out, here are the relevant certifications and their costs (sourced from the certifying bodies' websites):

• Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): ~$49/month. A great entry-level foundation. Typically takes 3-6 months.
• Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate: ~$165 for the exam. A highly valuable skill in the corporate world. Preparation time: 1-3 months.
• Tableau Desktop Specialist: ~$100 for the exam. Another key visualization tool. Preparation time: 1-2 months.
• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): ~$1,195 for members, $1,395 for non-members. This is more advanced and focuses on the full analytics process. A significant investment but respected.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, a 6-month bootcamp (like one from General Assembly or a local college certificate) plus a portfolio project can make you job-ready. For someone with a bachelor's degree in a related field, focusing on one key certification (like Power BI or SQL) might be enough to land your first local role in 3-6 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Choosing where to live depends on your lifestyle and commute. Kenosha is very car-dependent, but traffic is minimal.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Kenosha	Walkable, historic, near the lake and lakefront. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals who want nightlife, restaurants, and culture.
Pleasant Prairie	Suburban, family-oriented, excellent schools. Home to Uline HQ. 10-20 min commute.	$1,150 - $1,400	Those seeking a classic suburban feel with top-tier amenities.
Somers	Quiet, residential, close to I-94. Growing area with new developments. 15-25 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,250	Buyers looking for more space and a quieter, community-focused lifestyle.
Bristol	Rural-suburban blend, more affordable housing. 20-30 min commute to central Kenosha.	$900 - $1,100	Those prioritizing affordability and a slower pace, don't mind a longer drive.
Mount Pleasant (Racine Co.)	A neighboring community with its own character. Borders Kenosha to the north. 15-25 min commute.	$1,050 - $1,300	If you're open to living just outside Kenosha proper for more variety.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-94 during rush hour can add 10-15 minutes to your commute from the north (Bristol, Pleasant Prairie) into the city. Living east of I-94 generally means an easier commute to most major employers.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth often means specializing or moving into management. The 10-year job growth of 36% is your best indicator of a thriving field.

• Specialty Premiums: While you won't see Silicon Valley salary bumps, specializing can push you toward the top of the local range. The most valued specialties here are:
  • Supply Chain/Logistics Analytics: Critical for our manufacturing base. Can add a 10-15% premium.
  • Healthcare Analytics: With Aurora's presence, this is a stable niche. Can add a 5-10% premium.
  • Advanced Analytics/ML: If you can move beyond reporting into predictive modeling, you'll be in high demand and command a top-tier salary.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager or Data Strategist. To advance, focus on business acumen. The analysts who get promoted are those who can sit with a manufacturing plant manager and explain how their data can reduce waste, or who can help a healthcare administrator improve patient scheduling.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is strong. As local companies continue to digitize, the need for data-driven decision-making will only grow. The key will be staying adaptable—learning new tools as they emerge and keeping your skills sharp. Kenosha may not be a tech hub, but it's a hub for businesses that increasingly rely on data.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very affordable cost of living (93.1 index). Your salary goes far.	Limited tech scene. Fewer networking events and meetups compared to Milwaukee/Madison.
Strong, growing job market in stable industries.	Pay is slightly below national average. Career ceiling may be lower than in major metros.
Short commutes. You can live in a quiet neighborhood and be at your desk in 15 minutes.	Car-dependent. Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Lake Michigan access. A beautiful lakefront for recreation and a mental break.	Cultural offerings are modest. Great for outdoor activities, but you'll travel to Milwaukee for major concerts/sports.
Path to homeownership is realistic and timely.	Social scene can feel small if you're used to a big city.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an excellent choice for Data Analysts at the entry to mid-career stage who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle. It's less ideal for those seeking a high-powered, high-salary tech career or a bustling, Always-on urban vibe. If you value a community where you can build equity quickly, enjoy the outdoors, and work on meaningful data problems in a stable local economy, Kenosha is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Can I work remotely for a company based elsewhere while living in Kenosha?
Absolutely. Many Kenosha residents do this. The cost-of-living arbitrage is fantastic. You could earn a Milwaukee or Chicago salary while paying Kenosha rent. Just be mindful of time zones and any state tax implications.

2. How competitive is the job market for entry-level analysts?
It's competitive, but not cutthroat. The key is tailoring your applications to the local industries (manufacturing, healthcare, logistics). Highlight any projects or coursework relevant to those fields. A strong portfolio with SQL and a visualization tool is essential.

3. What's the best way to network in the local data community?
Your best bet is to connect with professionals at local employers. Check LinkedIn for employees at Uline, Aurora, and UW-Parkside. Also, look for meetups in the broader Milwaukee area (within a 45-minute drive), as they often include Kenosha professionals.

4. Is a master's degree necessary for career advancement here?
Generally, no. A bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (stats, math, CS, economics) plus relevant experience and certifications is the standard path. A master's can help for specialized roles but isn't a requirement for most local positions.

5. How do I handle the winter commute as a new resident?
Wisconsin winters are real. Invest in a car with good tires and all-wheel drive. Most employers are understanding about occasional snow days or delayed starts. The commute distances are short, so even in bad weather, you're not stuck on the road for hours.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kenosha County Economic Development, local job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn), Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Zillow/RentCafe market data.