Electrician in Kenosha, WI

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Kenosha, WI.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kenosha offers a solid, middle-of-the-road earning potential for electricians. It’s not Milwaukee or Madison, but the cost of living is also significantly lower, which is a huge part of the equation. The median salary for an electrician in the Kenosha metro area is $60,275/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.98/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but that discrepancy is easily offset by our lower housing and living costs.

The job market is steady, not explosive. There are approximately 294 electrician jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth for electricians is projected at 11%, which is a healthy, stable pace driven by new construction, ongoing maintenance of our existing infrastructure, and the increasing complexity of modern electrical systems (smart homes, EV chargers, renewables).

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Kenosha area:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Kenosha, WI)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000
Journey-Level Electrician	2-7 years	$55,000 - $72,000
Senior / Lead Electrician	7-15 years	$70,000 - $88,000
Expert / Master / Contractor	15+ years	$85,000 - $120,000+

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Kenosha presents a unique "sweet spot." While you might earn more in Milwaukee (closer to $63,000/year) or Madison (closer to $64,000/year), you’d also be facing significantly higher housing costs. Kenosha’s proximity to the Chicago metro area—both for potential higher-paying jobs and for its cultural amenities—also adds a layer of value that isn’t reflected in the raw salary data.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Union shops (like those affiliated with the IBEW) often offer stronger benefit packages, including pensions and annuities, which can be worth an additional $10-$15/hour in total compensation. The local IBEW Local 494 chapter is active in the region.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the numbers that matter. Using the median salary of $60,275/year, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single electrician living in Kenosha.

We'll assume a standard tax withholding for a single filer (federal, state FICA). Your take-home pay after taxes will be approximately $3,800/month.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,071	The city average. You can find older units for less, new builds for more.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; heating costs can spike in a Wisconsin winter.
Groceries & Household	$400	A realistic budget for one person.
Car Payment, Insurance, Gas	$500	Kenosha is car-dependent; insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$300	This is a major variable depending on your employer's plan.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$500	Critical for long-term wealth building.
Discretionary Spending	$779	For dining, entertainment, hobbies, and savings buffer.
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,770
Remaining Buffer	$30

As you can see, a single earner at the median salary can live comfortably in Kenosha, but the budget is tight if you have high car payments or student loans. The key is the low rent; in a city like Chicago, this same salary would leave you with a significant deficit.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. This is where Kenosha becomes highly attractive. The median home price in Kenosha County is around $260,000. With a 20% down payment ($52,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a principal and interest payment of approximately $1,320/month. Adding taxes and insurance brings the total to around $1,700/month.

Compared to the $1,071/month rent, this is an increase, but it’s manageable on a $60,275/year salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many journey-level and senior electricians in Kenosha do own homes, particularly in the more affordable neighborhoods on the west side of I-94.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s job market for electricians is a mix of commercial/industrial construction, public institutions, and residential service. Here are the major local players you should have on your radar.

1. Miron Construction - While headquartered in Neenah, Miron has a major presence in Southeast Wisconsin, including Kenosha. They are a top-tier commercial and industrial builder, frequently working on projects at Aurora Medical Center and local manufacturing facilities. They are a consistent hirer for large-project electrical work.

2. Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD) - With over 40 schools, KUSD employs its own maintenance and electrical staff. These are stable, union-supported jobs with excellent benefits and summers off. They handle everything from lighting retrofits to new facility wiring.

3. City of Kenosha / Kenosha Public Works - Municipal electrician jobs are some of the most sought-after in the region. They involve maintaining street lighting, traffic signals, and city-owned buildings. The hiring is sporadic but worth monitoring on the city’s official job board.

4. Local Electrical Contractors (Residential & Commercial):

   • R.C. Hein & Company Electric: A long-standing, reputable local contractor specializing in commercial and industrial projects.
   • Kohler Power Systems: While headquartered in Kohler (Sheboygan County), their facilities and contractors are major employers in the region. They do significant electrical work for generator and power system installation.
   • A+ Heating & Cooling (and similar integrated trades): Many local HVAC companies also handle electrical work, especially for HVAC system installations, which are increasingly complex. These roles are often less project-based and more service-oriented.

5. Local Unions (IBEW Local 494): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 494, is not based in Kenosha but covers the area. They have large-scale electrical projects in the region, often related to the Illinois Tollway O'Hare Expansion and other infrastructure work. Their apprenticeship program is a premier path to becoming a licensed journeyman.

Hiring Trend Insight: There is a growing demand for electricians with experience in low-voltage systems (data, security, AV) and renewable energy (solar). Kenosha County has seen an uptick in solar farm projects and residential solar installations. Getting certified in these areas can make you a top candidate for the next wave of jobs.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear, structured path to licensure. You cannot work as an electrician without proper certification.

Requirements:

• Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. This is typically a combination of classroom instruction (128 hours/year) and on-the-job training.
• Journeyman Electrician License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam (administered by PSI Exams). You do not need a separate license to start an apprenticeship.
• Master Electrician License: For those who want to run their own business or pull permits. Requires a journeyman license plus two additional years of full-time work experience (4,000 hours) and passing the Master Electrician Exam.
• Contractor License: Required for any business doing electrical work. This is a separate business license from the state Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Timeline & Costs:

• Apprenticeship: 4 years is the standard. Some accelerated programs exist but are rare.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is approximately $115. The master exam fee is around $155.
• Licensing Fees: A journeyman license is $100 (biennial renewal). A master license is $150 (biennial renewal).
• Total Estimated Startup Cost (excluding education): $215 - $265 for exams and initial licensing.

Insider Tip: Start your application with the Wisconsin DSPS before you finish your apprenticeship. There can be processing delays. The state website is your best friend here; it’s straightforward and has all the forms you need.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Kenosha affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for a working electrician.

1. Pleasant Prairie (Suburban & Affordable): Just north of the city, this village has a lot of new construction, both residential and commercial. Living here means a short commute to major employers like the Amazon distribution centers and Aurora Medical Center. It’s very family-friendly with excellent schools.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month

2. Somers (The Commuter’s Choice): Located on the west side of I-94, Somers offers easy access to the highway. This is ideal if you take on service calls all over the county or even into Racine/Milwaukee. It’s more rural than Pleasant Prairie, with larger lots and older homes.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,150/month (more older apartments and duplexes available)

3. Downtown Kenosha (Urban & Walkable): If you work on residential service calls or renovation projects in the city, living downtown puts you in the heart of it. You can walk to restaurants, the lakefront, and the metra station (for weekend trips to Chicago). Parking can be a challenge if you have a work van.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,400/month (for newer loft-style apartments)

4. Bristol (Small-Town Feel): A small village just west of Kenosha, Bristol is growing but retains a small-town atmosphere. It’s a great option if you prefer a quieter life and don’t mind a 20-25 minute commute to most industrial jobs in Kenosha proper.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month

Insider Tip: If you’re a union apprentice or journeyman, the union hall is located in Franklin, about a 30-minute drive south. Living in the southern parts of Kenosha (like Pleasant Prairie) or even northern Racine County can cut down on that commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An electrician’s career in Kenosha isn’t just about a steady paycheck; it’s about specialization and advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• High-Voltage/Industrial: Working at Kenosha’s industrial plants (like those at the Kenosha Business Park) can command a 10-15% premium over standard commercial rates due to the complexity and safety requirements.
• Low-Voltage & Data: As mentioned, this is a growing field. An electrician who can also certify in structured cabling or security systems is more valuable.
• Renewable Energy: With Wisconsin’s push for clean energy, electricians with solar installation experience are in high demand. This can lead to consulting work or running your own solar-specific business.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path of the Craftsman: Journeyman → Senior Electrician → Master Electrician. You become the technical expert, the go-to person for complex troubleshooting.
2. Path of the Leader: Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager. You move into a supervisory role, managing crews, schedules, and budgets. This path often leads to a salaried position with a company.
3. Path of the Entrepreneur: Journeyman → Master Electrician → Contractor. After getting your master and contractor licenses, you can start your own shop. Kenosha’s relatively low business overhead makes this a viable path. You’ll focus on residential service calls or small commercial projects.

10-Year Outlook:
The 11% job growth is promising. The aging workforce (many master electricians are nearing retirement) will create opportunities for journeyman electricians to step into leadership and business ownership. The key to long-term success will be staying current with technology—smart home integration, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy efficiency codes.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Kenosha is not a high-growth, high-salary market like some coastal cities. It is a stable, affordable, and practical place for a skilled trade to build a solid middle-class life.

Here’s a final breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, especially for housing.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in major metros.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from schools, hospitals, and industry.	Slower Growth: Fewer "boom" cycles than bigger cities; advancement can be slower.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Chicago for higher pay or entertainment.	Car-Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for commuting.
Manageable Scale: You can build a network and reputation quickly.	Limited Union Density: While the IBEW is present, the market is more non-union than Milwaukee.
Path to Homeownership: Very achievable on an electrician's salary.	Winters: A pro if you love snow sports, a con if you hate driving on ice.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for electricians at the journeyman and senior levels who value homeownership, work-life balance, and a lower-stress environment. It’s particularly well-suited for those with families. For a brand-new apprentice, it’s a great place to start, but be aware that the highest earnings are found by working for a Kenosha-based company but taking on projects in the greater Milwaukee or Chicago areas, or by specializing in a high-demand niche. If your primary goal is to maximize your income above all else, you might consider a larger metro. But if you want a career where your paycheck actually builds equity and provides a comfortable life, Kenosha is a smart, data-driven move.

FAQs

1. What’s the biggest challenge for an electrician in Kenosha?
The biggest challenge is the seasonal nature of residential new construction. When housing starts slow down in the winter, residential electricians may see fewer hours. This is why having a niche in commercial/industrial or service/maintenance work provides more year-round stability.

2. Do I need to know someone to get a job here?
It helps, but it’s not essential. The best way in is through a formal apprenticeship program like the one offered by IBEW Local 494 or through applying directly to the contractors listed above. The market is small enough that your reputation for good work spreads quickly.

3. How does the weather impact the job?
Wisconsin winters are real. Outdoor work (new construction rough-ins) can be delayed or hazardous from December through March. However, this is prime time for indoor work, service calls, and renovations. Good companies will have work for you year-round, but you must be prepared with the proper gear (insulated gloves, heated vests, etc.).

4. Is it worth commuting to Chicago for work?
It can be, but you have to do the math. An electrician in the Chicago metro area might earn 20% more, but you’ll face state income tax (Illinois has a flat rate) and potentially brutal traffic on I-94. The trade-off can be worth it for a higher wage, especially if you live in the northern parts of Kenosha County. Many locals do this.

5. What’s the best way to find the current rental market?
Use a combination of Zillow, Apartments.com, and local Facebook groups like “Kenosha Rentals” or “Kenosha Buy/Sell/Trade.” Prices can change seasonally, with more availability in the late fall and winter. For the best deals, look at older duplexes or apartments in the neighborhoods of Allendale or the historic district.