The Medical Assistant's Guide to Kenosha, WI: A Local Career Analysis

So you’re thinking about Kenosha. Maybe you’re fresh out of school, or you’re a seasoned MA looking for a change of pace and a lower cost of living. As someone who’s watched this city’s healthcare sector evolve over the last two decades, I can tell you it’s a solid, practical choice. It’s not the sprawling metropolis of Milwaukee, but it’s far from sleepy. It’s a city where you can actually build a life without the financial strain of a major coastal city.

This guide is your roadmap. We’ll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real-world path to a stable career in healthcare here.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let’s cut right to the chase: the money. Medical Assistants in Kenosha earn a median salary of $37,477/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.02/hour. That’s slightly below the national average of $38,270/year, but the context is critical. Kenosha is part of the Kenosha County metro area, which has a population of 98,210. The cost of living here is significantly lower than national averages, meaning your dollar stretches further.

The job market is stable, with approximately 196 jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 15%, which is on par with the national average for the profession. This indicates steady demand, not a boom or bust cycle.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts at clinics and smaller practices. Strong emphasis on on-the-job training.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Where the median sits. Specialization begins to pay off.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$42,000 - $48,000	Often involves lead MA roles, training, or niche specializations.
Expert/Supervisor (15+ years)	$48,000+	Practice manager, clinical coordinator, or multi-specialty clinic lead.

How does Kenosha compare to other Wisconsin cities?

• Milwaukee: Salaries are higher (~$40,500 median), but the cost of living is 15-20% higher, and commute times are brutal.
• Madison: Similar to Milwaukee—higher pay (~$40,000 median), but a very high cost of living, driven by the state government and university.
• Green Bay: Very comparable to Kenosha in both salary (~$37,000 median) and cost of living. It’s a similar market size and vibe.
• Racine: Just south of Kenosha, salaries are nearly identical, but Kenosha generally has a broader range of employers.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. Many Kenosha healthcare employers, especially the larger systems, offer robust benefits packages—often including 85-90% employer-paid health insurance premiums. That’s worth thousands in total compensation annually.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s make this tangible. We’ll use the median salary of $37,477/year.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):

• Gross Monthly: $3,123
• Estimated Net (after federal, state, FICA, local taxes): ~$2,400 - $2,550
  (Note: This is an estimate. Your exact take-home depends on your filing status, deductions, and 401k contributions.)

The Rent Reality:
The average 1BR rent in Kenosha is $1,071/month. This is a critical benchmark.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Net Income: ~$2,500
• Rent (1BR): -$1,071
• Remaining for Utilities, Groceries, Transport, Savings: ~$1,429

This is manageable. A budget of $1,400 for everything else is realistic here. You can find decent 1BR apartments in the $900-$1,100 range, which gives you more breathing room.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires careful budgeting. The median home price in Kenosha County is around $285,000. With a $37,477 salary, a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could easily be $1,600-$1,800/month, which would be over 50% of your net income—not recommended.

Path to Homeownership: The realistic path involves:

1. Dual-income households (a partner with a similar or higher income).
2. Career advancement to a senior/expert level salary ($45k+).
3. Strong savings for a larger down payment (20%+) to lower the monthly payment.
4. Considering condos/townhomes in the $180k-$220k range, which are more attainable on a single MA salary.

Insider Tip: Many local employers offer tuition reimbursement for continuing education. Use this to get certifications (like in phlebotomy or EKG tech) to boost your salary faster and work toward that home purchase.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s healthcare landscape is dominated by a few major players, with a sprinkle of private practices. Here’s your target list:

1. Aurora Health Care (Advocate Aurora): The 800-pound gorilla. Their Aurora Kenosha Medical Center is a 160-bed hospital and their network includes numerous primary care and specialty clinics (cardiology, orthopedics, women’s health). They are the largest employer of MAs in the county. Hiring Trend: Steady. They often post jobs for their clinic network (Aurora Medical Group) more frequently than for the hospital itself, as MAs are the backbone of outpatient care.

2. Rush University Medical Center (Rush Oak Park Hospital): While the main campus is in Illinois, they have a significant Rush Neurosurgery and Rush Cardiology presence in Kenosha, often located near the border. These are high-acuity, specialty clinics that pay a premium. Hiring Trend: Selective. They look for MAs with strong experience and often prefer those with a national certification (CMA or RMA).

3. United Hospital System (UHS): A locally-run system with St. Catherine’s Hospital in Kenosha and a hospital in nearby Pleasant Prairie. They are deeply embedded in the community, running several primary care clinics and a growing orthopedic center. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They value local talent and often hire from within their own CNA/MA training programs.

4. Racine Medical Clinic (and affiliated specialists): Located just south of the border in Racine, WI, but a major employer for Kenosha residents. They run a large multi-specialty clinic and have satellite offices. The commute is short (10-15 minutes). Hiring Trend: Active. They frequently need MAs for their busy family medicine and pediatrics departments.

5. Private Practices (Dermatology, Orthopedics, ENT): Kenosha has a robust network of private specialist groups. Practices like Kenosha Dermatology or Orthopedic & Sports Medicine often hire MAs directly. These jobs can be competitive but offer a more intimate workplace culture. Hiring Trend: Sporadic but high-paying when available. Networking is key here.

6. Local Dignity Health (now CommonSpirit) Clinics: While the major hospital is in Racine, their clinic network includes practices in Kenosha County. Hiring Trend: Growing, especially in their primary care and urgent care locations.

Insider Tip: The Kenosha County Job Center is a fantastic resource. They have partnerships with local healthcare employers and often host career fairs specifically for healthcare roles. Don’t just apply online—go to these events.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has clear requirements for Medical Assistants. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

State-Specific Requirements:
Wisconsin does not have a state-specific MA license. However, to perform specific tasks (like administering medications or taking vitals in a clinical setting), you must be recognized by the state. The primary pathways are:

1. Graduate from an Accredited Program: A 1-2 year program from a school accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This is the most common route.
2. Obtain National Certification: While not legally required to be called a "Medical Assistant," it is effectively required by 99% of employers in Kenosha. The two main certifications are:
   • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
   • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).

Costs & Timeline:

• Education: A 1-2 year program at Gateway Technical College (Kenosha campus) costs $6,000 - $10,000 for in-state tuition and fees. This is the most cost-effective and local route.
• Certification Exam: The CMA exam fee is $125-$150. The RMA exam is similar.
• Background Check: Required by all employers, typically costing $30-$50.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a Program: Gateway’s program is 12-18 months. Their next cohort often starts in Fall or Spring.
• Clinical Hours: Built into the program (~200 hours).
• Graduate & Apply: You can start applying for jobs 1-2 months before graduation.
• Get Certified: Take your exam within 12 months of graduation.
• Total Time: 18-24 months from zero to a certified, job-ready MA.

Insider Tip: Gateway Technical College is your best bet. Their program is highly respected by local employers. They have strong clinical partnerships with Aurora, UHS, and private practices, which often lead to job offers before graduation.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Here’s a local’s view on where to live, balancing commute, lifestyle, and rent.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Kenosha	Walkable, urban feel. Walk to the lakefront, restaurants, and events. Commute to Aurora/UHS is 5-10 mins.	$1,100 - $1,300	Young professionals, those who want a social scene close to work.
Pleasant Prairie	Suburban, quiet. Home to large employers like UHS. Commute to Aurora is 10-15 mins. More parking, newer apartments.	$1,050 - $1,250	Those wanting a quieter, family-friendly area with easy access to shopping (Pleasant Prairie TownPlace).
Somers	Rural-suburban blend. More green space, larger lots. Commute to Aurora is 10-15 mins. A bit more isolated.	$950 - $1,150	Nature lovers, those who want a quieter home life. Good for renters who want a townhouse or condo.
Winthrop Harbor (IL)	Just across the border. Lower cost of living, very quiet. Commute to Kenosha hospitals is 15-20 mins.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious individuals who don’t mind a slightly longer commute and lower taxes.
Mount Pleasant (Racine Co.)	Suburban, growing area with new developments. Commute to Kenosha jobs is 15-20 mins. Close to I-94.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those who work in both Kenosha and Racine. Good balance of amenities and space.

Insider Tip: If you work at Aurora Kenosha, Downtown or Pleasant Prairie are ideal for minimizing commute. If you work at a private practice in the southern part of the city, Somers or Winthrop Harbor offer more affordable rent options.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Kenosha is a great place to build experience, but you need a plan to advance and increase your earnings beyond the median.

Specialty Premiums:
MAs with specialized skills command higher pay and are more in-demand.

• Phlebotomy/ECG Tech: A CMA with Phlebotomy certification can earn $2-$3/hour more. This is valuable in any setting.
• Ophthalmology/ Optometry: These practices in Kenosha often pay a premium due to specialized equipment and procedures.
• Orthopedics/Sports Medicine: High volume, fast-paced. Pay is often at the higher end of the mid-level range.
• Dermatology: A mix of clinical and aesthetic procedures (like assisting with Botox/fillers). This niche can be very lucrative.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA/Clinic Coordinator: Oversee other MAs, manage supplies, and help with scheduling. Adds $3,500-$5,000/year.
2. Specialty Certifications: Become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) or Certified Radiologic Technician. This can double your salary over time.
3. Move into Administration: Use your clinical experience to become a Practice Manager or Clinical Director. This often requires additional education (an associate’s or bachelor’s in healthcare administration) but can push salaries into the $60,000+ range.
4. Bridge to Nursing: Many local hospitals (Aurora, UHS) have bridge programs for MAs to become LPNs or RNs, often with significant tuition assistance.

The 10-Year Outlook:
The 15% job growth is promising. As the population ages, demand for primary and specialty care will increase. Kenosha’s location between Milwaukee and Chicago also means it can attract more specialized medical practices. The key to growth is specialization. An MA who stays generalist will see slow, incremental raises. An MA who gains a specialty skill (like phlebotomy, EKG, or a niche like podiatry) will see faster salary progression and more job security.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Here’s a balanced, no-fluff assessment.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $37,477 salary goes much further here than in Milwaukee, Madison, or Chicago.	Salaries are Slightly Below National Average: You need to be strategic with specialization to maximize income.
Stable Job Market: Major employers (Aurora, UHS) provide steady demand and good benefits.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: If you crave major concert venues, international airports, or endless nightlife, you’ll be driving to Milwaukee or Chicago.
Short Commutes: You can live and work in the same city, often within a 10-15 minute drive.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and snowy. You need a reliable car and winter driving skills.
Gateway to Larger Markets: Close to Chicago and Milwaukee for weekend trips and future career moves without the high COL.	Political & Social Climate: Kenosha has been in the national spotlight. It’s a politically mixed area, which can be a pro or con depending on your perspective.
Path to Homeownership: The math works for a dual-income household or with career advancement.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a car. The bus system is functional but not comprehensive for all neighborhoods.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an outstanding choice for a Medical Assistant who is pragmatic, values work-life balance, and wants to build financial stability without being priced out of the market. It’s ideal for recent graduates looking to gain solid experience in a supportive environment with major health systems. It’s also a great fit for experienced MAs seeking a lower cost of living and a tighter-knit community feel.

If your primary goal is to make the absolute highest salary possible right out of the gate, look to Milwaukee or Chicago. But if you want a sustainable career where you can afford a decent apartment, save money, and potentially buy a home someday, Kenosha is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a certification to get hired in Kenosha?
While Wisconsin doesn’t require it by law, yes, you should get one. Aurora, UHS, and most private practices will not consider an uncertified applicant. The CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) is the standard. It’s the best investment you can make in your job search.

2. What’s the cost of living really like compared to where I am now?
Use the 93.1 Cost of Living Index. If you’re coming from a city like Seattle (index ~170), you’ll save roughly 45% on your overall expenses. If you’re from a similar Midwest city,