Financial Analyst in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kenosha isn't the first city that comes to mind for finance, which can actually work in your favor. The competition is thinner than in Milwaukee or Madison, but the demand for sharp analysts remains steady, especially with our unique position between two major markets. The median salary for a Financial Analyst here is $96,960/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $46.62. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010, but when you factor in Kenosha's cost of living—which is 93.1 (below the US average of 100)—that slight difference in raw pay doesn't sting as much. In fact, your purchasing power can feel comparable to a higher salary in a pricier city.

The job market for our metro area is modest, with about 196 openings for Financial Analysts at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 9%, which is solid and tells us this isn't a dying field here; it's just growing methodically, not explosively. The growth is driven by the steady expansion of local manufacturing, healthcare, and the logistics sector that leverages our proximity to I-94 and Lake Michigan.

To give you a clearer idea of progression, here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Kenosha market. This isn't a strict corporate ladder, but a composite from local job postings and conversations with hiring managers.

Experience Level	Typical Kenosha Salary Range	Common Roles & Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $78,000	Data entry, basic reporting, supporting senior analysts, learning the ropes of a specific industry. Often found in credit unions or local manufacturing firms.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Independent modeling, budgeting, forecasting, presenting to department heads. This is where the median of $96,960 sits. You're the workhorse.
Senior Analyst (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, complex financial modeling, some strategic planning. You're the go-to expert for a business unit.
Expert/Manager (15+ years)	$140,000+	Managing a team, setting financial strategy, direct interface with C-suite, often a CPA or CFA charterholder. These roles are rarer but exist at major regional HQs.

Insider Tip: You'll notice the ranges overlap, especially at the mid-to-senior level. In Kenosha, a "Senior Analyst" title at a smaller local firm might pay what a "Mid-Level Analyst" makes at a larger, national company with a local presence. Your negotiation power hinges more on your specific certifications (CPA, CFA) and the industry you're in (e.g., medical device vs. logistics).

Kenosha vs. Other Wisconsin Cities

To put Kenosha in context, let's compare it to Wisconsin's larger hubs. Milwaukee, the state's financial center, has a higher median salary (around $105,000), but the cost of living is 10-15% higher, and the job competition is fierce. Madison, home to state government and a booming tech scene, offers salaries closer to Milwaukee's but with a very high (and competitive) cost of living. Green Bay and Eau Claire are more comparable to Kenosha in both salary and cost of living, but Kenosha's unique advantage is its geographic position—you're a 45-minute train ride from downtown Chicago's vast finance scene, which opens up consulting and remote opportunities for Kenoshans who don't want to commute daily.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary numbers are one thing; your monthly reality is another. Let's use the median salary of $96,960 to build a practical budget for a single person living in Kenosha.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home approximately $5,800 - $6,000/month. (This is an estimate; use a reliable tax calculator for your exact situation.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Income (Take-Home): ~$5,900
• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,071 (The city-wide average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries & Household: $400 - $500
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $250 - $350 (Car is essential here)
• Health Insurance (if not deducted pre-tax): $200 - $400
• Debt/Student Loans: Varies widely, budget $200-$500
• Retirement Savings (10%): $800
• Discretionary/Other: $700 - $1,200

This leaves a healthy cushion for entertainment, dining, or saving for larger goals. The key takeaway: the median salary provides a very comfortable middle-class life in Kenosha.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Kenosha County is around $300,000. With a $96,960 salary and a 20% down payment ($60,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (approx. 7%) would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,600, including taxes and insurance. This is very manageable, especially when compared to renting a comparable single-family home, which would likely cost $1,800+/month. Many financial analysts in Kenosha are homeowners by their early 30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's economy is a mix of legacy manufacturing, modern healthcare, and a growing logistics sector. Financial Analyst roles are embedded in each of these. Here are the key players:

1. Johnsonville Sausage (Sheboygan, but major presence in Kenosha): One of Wisconsin's largest private companies. They have a significant business operations and finance team. They look for analysts who understand cost accounting and supply chain finance. Hiring is steady, with a preference for internal promotion.
2. Kenosha County Government: A major public sector employer. Budget and financial planning analysts are crucial here. The hiring process is slower (often tied to budgets) but offers great job security and pensions. Check the county's HR portal religiously.
3. Froedtert South (formerly Aurora & Memorial Hospital): The dominant healthcare system in the region. They have a robust finance department for budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and managing payer mix. The industry is recession-proof, and the need for analysts who can navigate complex healthcare reimbursement is constant.
4. Uline Inc.: The shipping supply giant's corporate HQ is in Pleasant Prairie, just north of Kenosha. This is a major source of finance and corporate accounting jobs. They have a reputation for being fast-paced and demanding, but compensation is strong, often exceeding the local median. They hire frequently for roles in FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis).
5. Jockey International: The underwear manufacturer has its global HQ in Kenosha. Their finance team manages everything from manufacturing costs to international sales. This is a great spot for an analyst interested in working for a well-known consumer brand.
6. Logistics & Distribution Firms: Companies like Ryder System, Inc. and Penske Logistics have major facilities in the I-94 corridor. They need analysts to manage fleet costs, warehouse efficiency, and logistics profitability. This sector is booming due to Kenosha's location between Milwaukee and Chicago.
7. Local Financial Institutions: Prime Financial Credit Union and First American State Bank have their HQs here. These are excellent places to start a career, offering roles in commercial lending analysis, risk management, and branch profitability.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Post-pandemic, many Kenosha employers offer 2-3 days of remote work, which is a huge perk for managing commutes or family schedules. There's also a growing demand for analysts proficient in data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) and advanced Excel; knowledge of SQL is becoming a differentiator, especially in logistics and manufacturing.

Getting Licensed in WI

For most Financial Analyst roles, you do not need a state-specific license. However, the landscape changes if you move into public accounting or investment advising.

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If your role evolves into accounting or you want the credential for advancement, you need to be licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The requirements are standard: 150 college credit hours (30 beyond a bachelor's), passing the 4-part Uniform CPA Exam, and one year of work experience under a licensed CPA.
  • Cost: Exam fees ($1,000), application fee ($150), and review course costs (varies, $1,500-$3,000). Total upfront investment is typically $3,000 - $5,000.
  • Timeline: Plan for 12-18 months of dedicated study and paperwork after meeting the education requirement.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): This is a globally recognized credential, not state-licensed, but highly valued in corporate finance and investment analysis. It's a self-study program. Timeline: It's a multi-year commitment (3 levels of exams, typically taking 3-4 years total). Cost: ~$3,000 in total exam fees.

Insider Tip: In Kenosha, a CPA is a huge asset for moving into management at a manufacturing firm or healthcare system. The CFA is less common locally but will make you a standout candidate for any role and is excellent if you're considering commuting to Chicago's investment firms.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and social circle. Kenosha is very car-dependent, but traffic is not a major issue.

1. Downtown Historic District: Walkable, with restaurants, coffee shops, and the lakefront. You'll find a mix of young professionals and empty-nesters. Rent for a 1BR in a renovated historic building: $1,100 - $1,400/month. Commute to most employers is 5-10 minutes. Best for those who want a vibrant, social scene without a big-city feel.
2. Somers (North of the city): More suburban and family-oriented. Home to many professionals who work at Uline or in the I-94 corridor. Better value for larger apartments or start renting a house. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200/month. Commute to downtown is 15 minutes; to Uline, under 10.
3. Pleasant Prairie (North of Kenosha): Technically a separate village, but part of the metro area. It's where many of the logistics and distribution centers are located. Very suburban, safe, with excellent schools. Rent for a 1BR: $1,050 - $1,300/month. Commute to Kenosha's downtown is 20 minutes.
4. Bristol (West of Kenosha): A growing area with more affordable housing options, both apartments and single-family homes. It’s a bit more rural but has quick access to I-94. Popular with younger analysts looking to buy their first home. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,100/month. Commute to downtown: 15-20 minutes.
5. Carthage College Area (Near the lake, south of downtown): Quieter, residential, and close to the lake. It's a short drive to downtown and the hospital. Favored by those who want a peaceful environment. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth is less about jumping ship every two years and more about deepening your industry expertise and taking on more responsibility. The 9% job growth indicates a market that values loyalty and internal mobility.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Finance: Analysts with experience in revenue cycle or capitated payment models can command a 10-15% premium at Froedtert South.
• Manufacturing/Cost Accounting: Expertise in standard costing, variance analysis, and lean principles is gold at Johnsonville or Jockey. Pay can exceed the median significantly.
• Data Analytics: If you can pair financial analysis with data science skills, you become indispensable. This can push you toward the higher end of the senior range or into a dedicated Business Intelligence role.

Advancement Path: The typical path is Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Controller/VP of Finance. In Kenosha, these roles exist within the local HQs of the companies listed above. The "Expert" level is often achieved by becoming the CFO of a mid-sized local company or moving into a regional director role for a national firm.

10-Year Outlook: The 9% growth is promising. Kenosha's strategic location will continue to attract logistics and light manufacturing. Healthcare will remain a stable employer. The biggest change will be the integration of AI and advanced analytics into the analyst's toolkit. Those who adapt will have the most opportunities. The ability to work remotely for Chicago-based firms will also be a growing option, allowing Kenoshans to access higher salaries while maintaining a lower cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of launching or continuing your financial analyst career in Kenosha.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $96,960 salary goes much further here than in Milwaukee or Chicago.	Limited High-Finance Roles: If you're dreaming of Wall Street or high-frequency trading, this isn't the place.
Strong Local Employers: A diverse base of manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics provides stability.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be less rapid than in major metros. It's a "slow and steady" market.
Short Commutes: You'll spend minutes, not hours, in your car.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is not viable for most; you need a reliable vehicle.
Proximity to Chicago: Easy day trips or hybrid work arrangements for bigger opportunities.	Smaller Network: The professional finance community is tight-knit; breaking in requires effort.
Work-Life Balance: The general culture is less "hustle-obsessed" than larger cities.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy. This impacts your daily life and commute.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for financial analysts who prioritize quality of life, affordability, and stability over the frenetic pace of a major financial center. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a less stressful environment while still having meaningful, well-compensated work. It's also a smart launchpad for someone early in their career who wants to build experience without being overwhelmed by competition or cost. If you're self-motivated, value community, and are pragmatic about your career trajectory, Kenosha offers a compelling and sustainable path.

FAQs

1. What is the job search really like in Kenosha?
It's a mix of traditional and modern. Many jobs are posted on company websites (like Uline or Johnsonville) and local job boards (like Wisconsin Job Center). Networking is key—join the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce or local FINPRO (finance professionals) groups on LinkedIn. Recruiters from Chicago also post remote roles targeting Kenosha residents.

2. How important is a CPA or CFA for a Financial Analyst in Kenosha?
For pure analyst roles, it's a "nice to have" that sets you apart. However, if you want to move into management (Controller, Finance Manager), the CPA becomes almost essential at larger employers. The CFA is a rare but powerful credential locally, especially if you're eyeing roles at investment arms of local businesses or remote Chicago firms.

3. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes, for 95% of situations. While downtown is walkable, your office (like Uline, Froedtert, or a manufacturing plant) will likely require a commute. Public bus routes exist but are limited. Planning your residence with a 15-minute drive to your job is the best strategy.

4. How does the seasonality of the job market work here?
Hiring tends to be strongest in Q1 (new budgets) and Q3 (planning for the next year). It slows down in late Q4 and the summer. This is a general rule for the Midwest. The healthcare sector is the most consistent year-round.

5. What's the social scene like for young professionals?
It's growing but not as dense as a major city. You'll find a solid core in Downtown Kenosha and at local events like the Kenosha Kingfish baseball games or festivals on the harbor. Many professionals also commute to Milwaukee or Chicago for nightlife, but the local scene is improving with new breweries, restaurants, and a strong sense of community. You have to be proactive to find your circle.