Here is a comprehensive career guide for Loan Officers considering Kenosha, Wisconsin.

---

A Local's Guide to Being a Loan Officer in Kenosha, WI

Welcome to Kenosha. If you're considering a move here, you’re looking at a city that’s often overlooked but offers a solid foundation for a career in lending. I’ve lived in the area long enough to see the city evolve from a manufacturing town to a city with a more diverse economic base, though the industrial roots are still very much alive. As a Loan Officer, this means you’ll be working with a population that ranges from blue-collar workers with union jobs to suburban families and retirees. It’s a market that requires you to be adaptable and genuinely plugged into the local community.

This guide is designed to give you a realistic, data-driven look at the profession here, from your paycheck to your commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The salary data for Loan Officers in the Kenosha metro area presents a unique picture compared to national averages. While the national median for Loan Officers sits slightly higher, the cost of living in Kenosha creates a competitive advantage. You won't be competing with the high cost of living found in major metros, which means your dollar stretches further.

Exact Salary Data:

• Median Salary: $75,354/year
• Hourly Rate: $36.23/hour
• National Average: $76,200/year
• Total Jobs in Metro: 196
• 10-Year Job Growth: 3%

The 3% projected growth, while modest, is stable. It reflects a mature housing market rather than a volatile boomtown. The number of jobs (196) indicates a tight-knit professional community. You’re not getting lost in a sea of lenders; networking is personal and direct.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in lending are heavily tied to experience and performance. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Kenosha market.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Kenosha)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $65,000	Processing applications, learning underwriting guidelines, building a client pipeline, supporting senior officers.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Managing own client portfolio, handling complex residential loans (FHA, VA, conventional), initial networking.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$85,000 - $100,000+	Expert in niche products (jumbo loans, construction), managing relationships with realtors and builders, mentoring juniors.
Expert/Manager	10+ years	$100,000+ (Often commission-heavy)	Branch management, strategic business development, high-net-worth client focus, multi-state licensing.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market conditions. The median salary of $75,354 aligns closely with the upper end of a Mid-Level officer's base, before bonuses.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

To understand Kenosha's position, you must look at its neighbors.

• Milwaukee Metro: Salaries here trend higher, often in the $80,000-$90,000 range, but the cost of living in Milwaukee County is significantly steeper. Rent and housing prices are 20-30% higher.
• Green Bay Metro: Salaries are slightly lower than Kenosha, often around $72,000, with a slightly lower cost of living. The job market is smaller and more focused on agricultural and small business lending.
• Madison Metro: As the state capital, salaries are highest, potentially $85,000+, but the housing market is extremely competitive and expensive, especially for buying a home.

Insider Tip: Kenosha sits in a sweet spot. You get a salary comparable to Madison but with a cost of living closer to Green Bay. For a Loan Officer who understands mortgages, this arithmetic is compelling.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $75,354 salary doesn't mean you take home $75,354. Let's break down the monthly reality for a single person, accounting for estimated taxes and the local rent market.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes): ~$4,650
This assumes a blended federal/state tax rate of approximately 25%.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Salary (Annual)	$75,354
Gross Monthly	$6,279
Estimated Taxes (25%)	-$1,629	FICA, Federal, State, Local.
Net Monthly Income	$4,650	Take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,071	$1,071/month for average 1BR.
Utilities (Est.)	-$200	Heating, electric, internet.
Car Insurance & Gas	-$250	Kenosha is car-dependent.
Groceries & Food	-$400
Health Insurance	-$200	Employer share included.
Student Loans/Debt	-$300	Varies widely.
Discretionary/Other	-$2,229	$1,729 after rent for everything else.
Savings Potential	$1,000 - $1,500	A realistic monthly savings rate.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is Kenosha's biggest draw.

With the median home price in Kenosha County hovering around $275,000, a Loan Officer earning the median salary is in a strong position.

• 20% Down Payment: $55,000 (This may take time to save, but it's achievable).
• Mortgage (PITI): ~$1,800/month (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance).
• Affordability Check: Even with a $1,800 mortgage payment, your housing costs would be ~30% of your net income. This is well within the "healthy" range.

Insider Tip: Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs with lower down payments (3-5%). As a Loan Officer yourself, you would be an expert on these. The key is that Kenosha's housing prices haven't exploded like Austin or Boise, making it a viable long-term home base for professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

The job market for Loan Officers in Kenosha isn't dominated by a single giant bank. It's a mix of local institutions, regional players, and credit unions. Here are the key employers you should target:

1. North Shore Bank: A major regional player with a strong presence in Southeastern Wisconsin. They have multiple branches in Kenosha. They often have a mix of consumer and mortgage lending roles. Hiring trends: Steady, with a preference for candidates with local ties.
2. Associated Bank: Another regional powerhouse. Their Kenosha branches (particularly on Green Bay Road and near the interstate) are active. They focus heavily on community relationships, which is key in Kenosha.
3. Citizens Community Federal Bank (CCFB): Based in nearby Eau Claire but with a significant presence in Kenosha. They are known for being community-focused and may offer more flexibility to loan officers than larger national brands.
4. First American Credit Union: A local institution with deep roots in the community. Credit unions often have a loyal membership base, and lending roles here are relationship-driven. The pace can be slower but the client retention is higher.
5. U.S. Bank: A national brand with a solid footprint in Kenosha. Their lending through U.S. Bank Home Mortgage is a separate division but often works in tandem with branch staff. Corporate policy can be stricter, but training is top-notch.
6. Local Mortgage Brokerages: This is a critical segment. Kenosha has several independent mortgage brokers who don't work for a specific bank. They shop rates across dozens of lenders. The income here is 100% commission-based but offers the highest potential upside for a self-starter. Networking with realtors is non-negotiable here.
7. Kenosha County Government: While not a typical lender, the County's housing and economic development departments sometimes have positions related to community lending programs, HUD grants, and first-time homebuyer assistance. It's a niche but stable public sector path.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive but not saturated. The 3% growth means you're often looking at backfills rather than expansion. The best time to look is spring, ahead of the summer home-buying season.

Getting Licensed in WI

You cannot practice as a loan officer in Wisconsin without the proper licensing. This is non-negotiable and regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).

1. Core Requirement: NMLS License. All mortgage loan originators (MLOs) must be licensed through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS).
2. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete 20 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This covers federal law, ethics, and mortgage lending. In Wisconsin, you can take this through approved providers like The CE Shop or pre-licensing courses. Cost: ~$300 - $500.
3. National & State Exams: After your education, you must pass the National SAFE MLO Exam and the Wisconsin State Component Exam. Cost: ~$400 for exams.
4. Background Check & Credit Report: You will submit fingerprints for a background check and provide a credit report. Cost: ~$100.
5. Surety Bond: Wisconsin requires a surety bond. For an individual MLO, this is typically a $25,000 bond, but you are not paying this out-of-pocket. Your employing lender or broker will handle this, but you are responsible for ensuring you are covered.
6. State Fees: Application fees to the NMLS and Wisconsin DFI. Cost: ~$500.

Total Initial Cost (approximate): $1,300 - $1,500
Timeline to Get Started: 2-4 months from starting your pre-licensing course to being fully licensed and able to originate loans.

Insider Tip: If you're moving from another state, you must check reciprocity. Wisconsin has some agreements, but you will almost certainly need to take the state exam. Do not assume your license transfers seamlessly.

Best Neighborhoods for Loan Officers

Where you live in Kenosha impacts your lifestyle and commute to your branch office or client meetings. Here’s a local breakdown:

1. Downtown Kenosha / Harbor: The historic heart. Walkable, with the lakefront, restaurants, and the Kenosha Public Museum. Commute to most offices is 5-10 minutes. It’s popular with younger professionals and empty-nesters.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Vibe: Energetic, walkable, close to work and play.

2. Pleasant Prairie (South of Kenosha): A suburban haven. Home to the massive Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, great parks, and newer subdivisions. Commute is easy via I-94.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a larger 1BR or 2BR.
   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, car-centric. Great for someone who wants space.

3. Somers (Northwest of Kenosha): A mix of rural and suburban. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the massive Amazon fulfillment center. Rent is slightly lower here, and it’s a quick commute to any Kenosha office.

   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Less polished, more affordable, convenient location.

4. Bristol (West of Kenosha): A small, tight-knit community. It’s a 15-20 minute commute to central Kenosha. Feels like a classic American small town with a local vibe.

   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Very local, quiet, excellent for someone who wants to avoid the "city" feel of Kenosha.

5. Mount Pleasant (East of Kenosha, into Racine County): Technically in Racine County, but a major employment and residential hub. It has modern shopping centers and a lot of new construction. Commute to Kenosha is 15 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,400 for a 1BR.
   • Vibe: Modern, expanding, a bit more expensive but with more amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for a Loan Officer in Kenosha is stable, not explosive. Your growth will come from specialization and building a personal brand.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • USDA Loans: Huge for Kenosha County's semi-rural areas (like Pleasant Prairie, Bristol). A certified specialist can capture a specific market.
  • VA Loans: Kenosha has a significant veteran population (Kenosha County is home to several VA clinics and a strong military community). Expertise here is lucrative.
  • Investment Properties: As Kenosha's rental market grows (driven by affordability), expertise in financing multi-unit properties or fix-and-flip loans can set you apart.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Path 1: The Specialist. You stay in production, but you become the go-to person for a complex loan type. You may work for a larger bank or a specialized brokerage.
  • Path 2: The Manager. You move into a branch manager or sales manager role, overseeing a team of loan officers. This path offers base salary + team commissions.
  • Path 3: The Entrepreneur. After 5-10 years of building a network, you start your own mortgage brokerage. This carries the highest risk but the highest reward. Your success depends entirely on your reputation.

10-Year Outlook: Expect slow but steady growth in home values. Demand will remain for simplifying mortgages for working-class families. The rise of remote work may allow you to serve clients in nearby Chicago suburbs, but your license and primary market must remain Wisconsin-based. The key is to build a reputation that outlasts market cycles.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your $75,354 salary goes much further here than in Madison or Milwaukee.	Limited Upside: The job market isn't vast. Moving to a senior role might require staying put or finding a niche.
Strong Homebuyer Market: You can easily afford to buy a home, building personal wealth.	Seasonal Lulls: The market can slow in winter, which can impact commission-based income.
Stable, Diverse Employer Base: Mix of regional banks, credit unions, and brokerages.	Car-Dependent: Unless you live downtown, you'll need a car for work and life.
Community Feel: Networking is genuine. You'll get to know realtors, builders, and clients on a personal level.	Proximity to Chicago: Can be a double-edged sword. Some clients may be "Chicago refugees" with complex finances.
Lake Michigan Access: A unique perk for a Midwest city. Great for lifestyle.	Growth is Modest: Not a place for high-risk, high-reward "booms."

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for a Loan Officer who values stability, affordability, and community. It's ideal for:

• A mid-career professional looking to buy a home and build a stable life.
• A new loan officer who wants to learn in a supportive, less cutthroat market than a major metro.
• Someone with ties to the Midwest who wants big-city access (Chicago is 45 mins away) without the big-city cost.

If you're chasing the highest possible salary and the most rapid career acceleration, you might look to Milwaukee or Chicago. But if you're playing the long game for a sustainable career and a great quality of life, Kenosha's numbers make a compelling argument.

FAQs

1. Can I work remotely as a Loan Officer in Kenosha?
Yes, but with caveats. Many lenders now offer remote work options for processing and underwriting. However, for originating loans (the sales side), you'll still need to meet clients. Some clients prefer in-person meetings. A hybrid model is most common. Your licensing is tied to Wisconsin, so you can't originate loans for clients in other states without additional licenses.

2. How do the summers in Kenosha affect the housing market?
Kenosha's population swells in the summer with tourists and seasonal residents, but the rental and home market is steady. The busy season is spring and early summer for home buying. You'll work hard from March to July, with a possible lull in January/February before the market picks up again. Plan your finances accordingly.

**3. What's the best way to network with realtors in Kenos