Data Analyst in Racine, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

As a local who's watched this market evolve, I can tell you straight: Data Analysts in Racine are in a sweet spot. The city isn't a tech hub like Madison or Milwaukee, but it has a unique industrial and manufacturing backbone that quietly craves data talent. The median salary here sits at $82,109/year, or $39.48/hour. That's just slightly below the national average of $83,360/year, but the real story is in the cost of living. With a metro population of 76,608 and a cost of living index of 95.0 (US avg = 100), your paycheck goes further here than in most places.

The job market is modest but growing. We're talking about 153 Data Analyst jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is 36% – that's significant, driven by the digitization of Racine's traditional manufacturing and healthcare sectors. While we don't have the volume of Fortune 500 tech giants, we have stable, data-hungry institutions like hospitals, credit unions, and industrial equipment manufacturers.

To give you a realistic career ladder, here's what you can expect at different levels:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Salary Range (Racine)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$58,000 - $68,000	Basic reporting, SQL queries, data cleaning, supporting senior analysts.
Mid-Level	3-5	$70,000 - $85,000	Building dashboards (Tableau/Power BI), independent analysis, stakeholder management.
Senior	5-8	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, advanced statistical modeling, data strategy input.
Expert/Lead	8+	$105,000 - $125,000+	Departmental leadership, complex predictive modeling, cross-functional data initiatives.

How does this stack up against other Wisconsin cities? You'll make slightly more in Milwaukee (national average is more common there) and notably more in Madison's tech and biotech scene. However, Racine's lower cost of living means a mid-level analyst earning $78,000 here often has more disposable income than a peer making $88,000 in Madison. It's a classic trade-off: slightly lower nominal salary, higher real purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get granular. On a median salary of $82,109, your take-home pay in Wisconsin will be roughly $5,800/month after taxes (federal, state, FICA). Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a Data Analyst in Racine.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $82,109/year)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes (Local Insight)
Take-Home Pay	$5,800	After taxes (WI has a progressive tax system).
Rent (1BR Average)	$842	This is the city-wide average, but varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Racine's older housing stock can mean higher heating costs in winter.
Groceries	$350	Pick up great deals at the local Sendik's or Pick 'n Save.
Transportation	$150	Gas is cheaper than the national average; insurance is moderate. Many commute by car.
Health Insurance (Employer)	$250	Varies widely; this is a typical employee contribution.
Student Loans/Debt	$300	Adjust based on your personal situation.
Retirement (401k - 10%)	$685	Strongly recommended on this salary.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$2,073	This buffer allows for savings, travel, dining out, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With that discretionary budget, you could save $1,500/month for a down payment. The median home price in Racine County is around $220,000. A 20% down payment is $44,000, which is achievable in 2.5 years of aggressive saving. Your mortgage on a $220,000 home (assuming good credit) would be roughly $1,200/month (PITI), which is very manageable on the median salary. This is a key advantage Racine holds over coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine's data scene is anchored by its legacy industries and a growing healthcare sector. You won't find Amazon or Google here, but you will find stable employers with deep data needs.

1. SC Johnson (Global Headquarters): The city's most famous employer. They need data analysts for supply chain optimization, marketing analytics, and global sales forecasting. It's a corporate environment with strong internal data teams. Hiring tends to be steady but competitive.
2. Aurora Health Care (now part of Advocate Aurora Health): With multiple clinics and a major hospital presence, they have a massive need for healthcare data analysts—think patient outcome analysis, operational efficiency, and billing analytics. They frequently post roles for analysts with SQL and healthcare data experience.
3. Racine County Government & City of Racine: Believe it or not, local government is a major data employer. They need analysts for urban planning, public health, budget analysis, and grant reporting. The work is public-facing and mission-driven. Check the government's website for openings; they often offer great benefits.
4. Racine Unified School District: One of the state's largest districts, they employ data analysts to track student performance, manage state testing data, and allocate resources. This is a great path if you're interested in education analytics.
5. First American Bank / Local Credit Unions (e.g., Landmark CU): The financial sector, from large banks to local credit unions, relies on analysts for risk assessment, customer segmentation, and fraud detection. These roles often require a blend of financial acumen and technical skills.
6. Industrial & Engineering Firms (e.g., Modine, Dremel): Racine is a manufacturing hub. Companies like Modine (thermal management) need analysts for production efficiency, quality control, and predictive maintenance data. This is a niche but growing area for data professionals.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers hire through local staffing agencies before posting publicly. Building a relationship with recruiters at firms like Express Employment or Robert Half who specialize in Racine can give you a head start.

Getting Licensed in WI

Good news: Data Analyst is not a state-licensed profession in Wisconsin. You do not need a state-specific license to practice, unlike fields such as nursing, law, or engineering.

However, professional certifications are highly valued and can significantly boost your salary potential. Here’s the practical path:

• Degrees: A bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. Local universities like Carthage College and University of Wisconsin-Parkside (just south in Kenosha) offer relevant programs. University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee are also popular for online/graduate programs.
• Certifications (The Real Differentiators):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera): ~$49/month. Excellent for entry-level roles.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist: ~$100 exam fee. Very relevant for local roles in business intelligence.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: ~$165 exam fee. Crucial for jobs in corporate environments.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): ~$695 exam fee. For senior-level credibility.
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from scratch, a bootcamp (like General Assembly's online program) or a certificate program can take 3-6 months of full-time study. Pairing that with a relevant bachelor's degree can make you competitive for entry-level roles within 6-12 months of focused effort.

Costs: Be prepared to invest $2,000 - $6,000 in a reputable bootcamp or certification program. Many employers, like SC Johnson and Aurora, offer tuition reimbursement, so it pays to ask about this in interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Living in Racine means balancing commute, lifestyle, and cost. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Downtown Racine	Urban, walkable, near Lake Michigan. Close to Aurora Hospital and City Hall. Commute to SC Johnson (~10 mins).	$900 - $1,200	Young professionals who want an active social scene and a short commute.
Mount Pleasant	Suburban, family-friendly, modern. Home to many corporate offices (including some SC Johnson facilities).	$850 - $1,100	Analysts working for larger corporations who prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle.
Sturtevant	Small-town feel, very affordable, excellent highway access (I-94). Close to the I-94 corridor for jobs in Kenosha & Milwaukee.	$750 - $900	Budget-conscious analysts who don't mind a short drive for work and want more space.
Northside	Residential, established neighborhoods. More affordable housing stock. Commute to downtown is easy.	$700 - $850	First-time homebuyers or renters seeking value and a classic Racine residential feel.
Harbor View	Upscale, lakefront, and quiet. Mostly single-family homes. A longer commute to most employers (15-20 mins).	$1,000 - $1,500 (for larger units)	Senior analysts or those with families seeking a premium, peaceful setting.

Insider Tip: Parking in Downtown Racine in winter can be a challenge. If you live there, prioritize an apartment with a dedicated spot. In Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant, driving is the norm, and parking is plentiful.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 36% 10-year job growth isn't just a number—it reflects a shift. Racine's employers are moving from basic reporting to predictive analytics and AI implementation.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Analytics (Aurora): Can command a 10-15% salary premium due to HIPAA complexity and specialized knowledge.
  • Supply Chain Analytics (SC Johnson): High demand, especially with global logistics. Salaries can match or exceed the $100,000 mark for experienced analysts.
  • Advanced Statistical Modeling (Any Sector): Masters in Statistics or Data Science can boost starting offers by $10,000-$15,000.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Analyst to Senior Analyst to Analytics Manager. In Racine's smaller data teams, you might wear many hats, leading to faster, broader experience. The key is to move from describing what happened to predicting what will happen and prescribing what to do.
• 10-Year Outlook: The data field in Racine will become more specialized. Generalist roles will remain, but the highest pay and growth will be in niche areas: industrial IoT data analysis, healthcare predictive modeling, and financial risk analytics. The growth of remote work also means you can work for a Milwaukee or Chicago firm while living in Racine's affordable market, which expands your opportunities further.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: A median salary goes far with a 95.0 cost of living index and $842 average rent.	Smaller Job Market: Only 153 jobs. You may need to be flexible on industry or commute.
Stable, Growing Employers: SC Johnson, Aurora, and government offer long-term stability.	Limited "Pure Tech" Scene: Fewer startups and tech-first companies compared to Milwaukee or Madison.
Manageable Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive; traffic is minimal.	Slower Pace: If you crave a high-energy, 24/7 tech hub vibe, Racine may feel quiet.
Gateway Location: Easy access to Milwaukee (30 min) and Chicago (1.5 hrs) for networking and events.	Winters Are Real: Be prepared for snow and cold from November to March.
Homeownership is Attainable: The path to buying a home is realistic on the median salary.	Limited Dining/Nightlife: Options exist but are more modest than a major metro.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a work-life balance. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to stretch their salary or entry-level analysts who want to break into the field with a lower cost of living. If your top priority is being at the epicenter of the latest tech trends, look to Madison or Milwaukee. But if you want to build a solid career, buy a home, and enjoy a community with character, Racine is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Will I need to know both Tableau and Power BI?
Not always, but it helps. Many local manufacturing and government jobs prefer Power BI due to its integration with Microsoft Office. Healthcare and financial institutions often use Tableau. Being proficient in both makes you a highly competitive candidate.

2. How important is a master's degree for advancement?
For the first 5 years, a strong portfolio and relevant certifications matter more. However, for senior management roles (Analytics Manager, Director) at employers like SC Johnson or Aurora, a master's degree (M.S. in Data Science or an MBA with an analytics focus) becomes a significant differentiator and is often required.

3. Can I work remotely from Racine?
Yes, and it's becoming more common. Many local employers offer hybrid schedules. Additionally, Racine's proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago allows you to apply for remote roles at companies based in those cities while enjoying Racine's lower living costs. A reliable high-speed internet connection is a must.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Attend events hosted by Forward Racine County or the Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce (RAMAC). Join the Wisconsin Data Professionals group on LinkedIn. Many analysts also volunteer for local non-profits, which is a great way to build a network and a portfolio.

5. Is the job market competitive?
It's competitive but not cutthroat. With 153 jobs and a growing market, there are opportunities. The key is tailoring your resume to Racine's key industries (manufacturing, healthcare, government) and being willing to start in a related role (like business intelligence or operations analysis) to get your foot in the door.