Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering a move to Racine, Wisconsin.

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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Guide: Racine, WI

You're looking at Racine, and you're smart to do the homework. This isn't Milwaukee or Chicago; it’s a blue-collar city with a deep manufacturing history that’s been steadily pivoting toward healthcare. As a local, I can tell you that Racine offers a lower cost of living than almost any comparable city in the Midwest, but you need to know exactly where the opportunities are and what your paycheck will actually look like. Let’s break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. The data for the Racine metropolitan area tells a specific story: you won't get rich here overnight, but the financial entry point is solid, especially given the local cost of living.

The median salary for an LPN in Racine is $53,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.87. This is slightly below the national average of $54,620, but don't let that number fool you. In Racine, that dollar stretches much further than it does on the coasts or even in Madison.

The job market is stable. There are currently 153 LPN jobs listed in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%. This isn't a boom town, but it’s not stagnant either. It’s a reliable market that favors experienced nurses.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a good starting point, your actual offer will depend heavily on your years of experience. Here is a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Racine market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $51,000	$23.00 - $24.50
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$53,000 - $58,000	$25.48 - $27.88
Senior (8-15 years)	$58,000 - $64,000	$27.88 - $30.77
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$64,000+	$30.77+

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

To understand where Racine fits in the state ecosystem, compare it to its neighbors. Racine is a "sweet spot" for cost-conscious professionals.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Racine	$53,800	95.0
Milwaukee	$55,200	98.5
Kenosha	$52,900	96.2
Madison	$56,500	105.8
Green Bay	$51,300	89.0

Racine pays slightly less than Milwaukee or Madison, but the Cost of Living Index of 95.0 means your money goes further. You can live comfortably here on a single LPN income, which is not always true in Madison.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. The median salary of $53,800 isn't what hits your bank account. Here’s a monthly breakdown for a single LPN in Racine.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $53,800/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,483
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): -$785
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,698

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (Average 1BR): -$842

• Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet): -$180

• Groceries: -$350

• Car Insurance/Gas: -$250

• Healthcare/Personal Care: -$150

• Miscellaneous/Leisure: -$400

• Total Expenses: -$2,172

• Remaining Monthly Savings: ~$1,526

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. This is Racine’s biggest advantage. With roughly $1,500 in monthly savings, you are in a prime position to buy. The median home price in Racine hovers around $180,000 - $200,000. A 30-year mortgage on a $190,000 home with 5% down is roughly $1,100/month (including taxes and insurance). Your rent of $842 is lower than a mortgage, but the jump is manageable, and you start building equity immediately. In Racine, homeownership is a realistic goal for a single LPN.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players, but there are also niche opportunities in long-term care and home health. Here are the specific places you need to target:

1. Aurora Medical Center - Mount Pleasant: Located just north of Racine in Mount Pleasant, this is the region's newest and most modern facility. It’s a major employer with a wide range of units. They pay competitively and offer sign-on bonuses for night shift and specialty units. Insider Tip: The culture here is more corporate and tech-forward than the older hospitals.

2. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints Hospital): Located in the heart of Racine, this is the historic anchor of the city’s healthcare. It’s an older facility with a strong community presence. They have a constant need for LPNs in med-surg, rehab, and long-term care wings. The patient population here is often the city’s aging core—exactly where LPNs shine.

3. The Racine County Nursing Home (The Lakes): This is a public, county-run facility. It is one of the most stable employers in the region. The pay is solid, benefits are excellent (unionized), and the turnover is lower than in private facilities. If you value job security over high-tech environments, this is your spot.

4. St. Catherine’s Hospital (Kenosha): Technically in Kenosha, but a massive employer for Racine residents. The commute is a straight shot down I-94 (15-20 minutes). They handle a high volume of patients and frequently hire LPNs for their orthopedic and surgical units.

5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin): Racine has a growing aging population that prefers to age in place. Agencies like the VNA are constantly hiring LPNs for home visits. This offers more autonomy but requires strong time-management skills and your own reliable vehicle.

6. Private Long-Term Care Facilities: There are dozens of smaller facilities dotting the city, especially on the north and west sides. Places like Racine Health Care Center or Mount Pleasant Senior Living often have immediate openings and may offer flexible schedules (8 or 10-hour shifts).

Getting Licensed in WI

If you’re licensed in another state, Wisconsin is a compact state (NLC). If your home state is part of the NLC, you can work in WI without a new license. If not, here’s the process:

1. Application: You must apply through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The application is online.
2. Fees: The application fee is roughly $115, plus a background check fee.
3. NCLEX-PN: If you are a new graduate, you must pass the NCLEX-PN. If you are an experienced nurse, you typically just need to verify your current license.
4. Timeline: If you have a clean record and all documents are in order, the endorsement process usually takes 4-6 weeks. Start the process before you move or accept a job offer.
5. Continuing Education: Wisconsin requires 24 hours of CE every 2 years for LPNs. This is standard and easy to fulfill online.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Racine affects your commute and lifestyle. The city is divided by Highway 20 and I-94.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Downtown/Marshall Square	Walkable, historic, close to All Saints. Parking can be a pain. Best for those who want restaurants and bars on their doorstep.	$850 - $1,000
North Side (Near Mount Pleasant)	Quieter, more residential. Close to Aurora Med Center. Easy access to shopping centers (Target, Woodman's).	$750 - $900
West Side (Near Hwy 31)	Older, established neighborhoods. Very affordable rent. A bit farther from hospitals but easy highway access.	$700 - $850
South Side (Lakefront)	More affluent, higher rents. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Commutes to hospitals are short (10-15 mins).	$900 - $1,200+
Caledonia (Suburban)	Technically a separate village but part of the metro. Very safe, excellent schools, suburban feel. 15-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,100

Insider Tip: If you work night shift, look for an apartment in a quieter area like the North Side or Caledonia. You won't deal with downtown traffic noise when you're trying to sleep during the day.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An LPN license in Wisconsin is a foundation, not a ceiling.

• Specialty Premiums: While base pay is standard, you can earn more by working nights (+$2-$3/hr), weekends, or in dialysis. Dialysis centers (like Fresenius or DaVita in Racine) often pay higher because the training is specialized.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Bridge to RN: This is the most common path. Gateway Technical College (located right in Racine) has an excellent, affordable LPN-to-RN bridge program. Many local hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for this.
  2. LPN to BSN: While less common, online programs allow you to advance further.
  3. Charge Nurse: In long-term care or rehab, you can become a charge LPN, managing a floor and mentoring new staff.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 5% growth is reliable. As the population ages, the demand for LPNs in long-term care, home health, and rehabilitation will remain strong. Automation won't replace bedside care in Racine’s demographic.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine is a practical choice for LPNs who value financial stability, homeownership, and a less hectic pace of life compared to Madison or Milwaukee.

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living: One of the most affordable metros in the Upper Midwest.	Winter Weather: Harsh winters with heavy snow and gray skies from Nov–April.
Home Ownership: Feasible on a single LPN salary.	Economic Diversity: Still reliant on manufacturing; healthcare is the main growth sector.
Job Stability: Steady demand in long-term care and rehab settings.	City Services: Some neighborhoods have aging infrastructure; do your research on specific streets.
Location: Midway between Milwaukee and Chicago for weekend trips.	Social Scene: Limited nightlife compared to larger cities; it’s a "stay local" town.

Final Recommendation:
Racine is an excellent choice for LPNs who are looking to build a life, not just work a job. If you are willing to start in long-term care or a hospital med-surg unit, you can secure a stable income, buy a home, and live comfortably. It’s not a glamorous city, but it is a livable one for healthcare professionals.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find an LPN job in Racine?
No. With 153 current openings and steady turnover in long-term care, jobs are available. The key is flexibility. If you are willing to work nights or weekends, you will have multiple offers.

2. How is the drive during Racine winters?
It’s a factor. If you work at Aurora in Mount Pleasant, you have easy highway access. If you work at All Saints downtown, you need a car with good tires and brakes. The city is generally good about plowing main arteries, but side streets can be icy. Budget for winter tires.

3. Can I commute to Chicago for a higher salary?
You can, but the math often doesn't work. The drive is 1.5 to 2 hours each way (traffic on I-94 is brutal). While Chicago LPNs earn more, the gas, tolls, and time cost eat up the difference. It’s better to work locally and use the lower cost of living to your advantage.

4. What’s the best way to network for jobs?
Join the Wisconsin Nurses Association. Also, check the "Racine Healthcare Jobs" Facebook groups—local facility HR managers often post there before using major job boards. Walking into a facility with a resume in hand still works in Racine.

5. Is Racine safe?
Like any city, it varies by neighborhood. The lakefront and suburbs (Caledonia, Mount Pleasant) are very safe. The downtown is generally safe but has some street-level homelessness and petty crime. The West Side and North Side are residential and quiet. Always visit a neighborhood at night before signing a lease.

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Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Zillow Rental Data, Sperling's Best Places Cost of Living Index.