Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kenosha, WI

As a career analyst who has spent years mapping the healthcare job market in Wisconsin, I can tell you that Kenosha is a city with a distinct character. It’s not Milwaukee, and it’s certainly not Madison. It’s a proud, blue-collar lakefront city with a deep manufacturing history and a healthcare system that has evolved to meet the needs of an aging population. For a Nursing Assistant (CNA), Kenosha represents a stable, if not booming, market with a lower cost of living that can stretch your dollar further than in larger metro areas. This guide is for the pragmatic CNA—someone who wants the straight facts on pay, employers, and daily life in Kenosha without the fluff. We’ll use hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to give you a clear picture of what your career and life could look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let’s start with the numbers, because they set the foundation for everything else. The median salary for a Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Kenosha is $35,363 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $17.0/hour. This is slightly below the national average for CNAs, which sits at $35,760/year. It’s important to understand that Kenosha is part of the larger Milwaukee-Waukesha metro area for statistical purposes, but the local economy and wage structures have their own dynamics.

The job market is stable but not explosive. The metro area (which includes Kenosha County) has approximately 196 CNA jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This growth rate, while positive, is slower than the national average for healthcare support occupations, which is often driven by Kenosha’s proximity to the larger Milwaukee market, where many specialized roles are filled.

To understand your earning potential, you need to break it down by experience level. The table below provides a realistic progression based on local hiring trends and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Years of Experience	Annual Salary Range (Kenosha, WI)	Key Factors Influencing Pay
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $34,000	Starting pay at long-term care facilities; limited shift differentials; no specialization.
Mid-Career	2-5 years	$34,000 - $39,000	Increased shift differentials (evenings/nights), potential for weekend premiums, solid performance reviews.
Senior/Experienced	5-10 years	$39,000 - $43,000	May lead to mentorship roles, specialized unit experience (e.g., dementia care), union scale increases (if applicable).
Expert/Specialized	10+ years	$43,000 - $48,000+	Certified in specific modalities, charge CNA roles, or moving into a nearby Milwaukee hospital with higher pay scales.

Insider Tip: The biggest jump in pay often comes not from years alone, but from securing a position at a unionized facility or a large hospital system like Aurora or Ascension. Union contracts, such as those negotiated by SEIU or other healthcare unions in Wisconsin, can provide structured wage increases that outpace non-union facilities.

How Kenosha Compares to Other WI Cities:

• Milwaukee: Salaries are typically 10-15% higher, but the cost of living, especially rent, is significantly higher.
• Madison: Similar to Milwaukee, with higher pay but a much steeper housing market.
• Green Bay: Salaries are very comparable to Kenosha, with a similar cost of living. It’s a direct competitor for CNA talent.
• Racine: Salaries are nearly identical, but the job market may be slightly smaller. Kenosha’s position between Milwaukee and Chicago gives it a slight edge in healthcare infrastructure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what really matters: your monthly cash flow. Using the median salary of $35,363/year, we can build a realistic budget for a single person in Kenosha. For this calculation, we’ll assume a standard tax withholding (federal, state, and FICA) and use the local average rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a CNA in Kenosha:

• Gross Monthly Income: $35,363 / 12 = $2,947
• Estimated Take-Home Pay (After Taxes): $2,400 (This is a conservative estimate; actual take-home may be slightly higher or lower based on withholdings and benefits).
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,071/month
• Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet): $150/month
• Groceries: $350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance: $300/month (Kenosha is a car-dependent city; public transit is limited).
• Gas: $120/month
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): $150/month
• Miscellaneous (Personal, Entertainment, Savings): $259/month

Total Monthly Expenses: $2,400

This budget is tight but manageable. It leaves little room for error, but it accounts for the essentials. The key benefit here is the Cost of Living Index of 96.3 (US avg = 100). Your dollar goes slightly further in Kenosha than the national average, which helps offset the modest wage.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
At a median salary of $35,363, homeownership is a significant challenge without a dual-income household or substantial savings. The median home price in Kenosha County is approximately $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($56,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of around $1,500, excluding taxes and insurance. This would push a single CNA’s housing costs far beyond the recommended 30% of their gross income. While homeownership is a long-term goal, it’s not immediately feasible for a single-earner CNA at the median wage. Renting in a neighborhood like Pleasant Prairie or the northern part of the city is the more realistic short-to-mid-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s healthcare landscape is dominated by two major systems and a robust network of long-term care facilities. The job market is stable, but turnover can be high in nursing homes, creating consistent openings. Here are the key players:

1. Aurora Medical Center Kenosha: This is the crown jewel of Kenosha healthcare—a brand-new, state-of-the-art hospital (opened in 2020). It’s a major employer and often pays at the higher end of the local scale. They hire CNAs for their medical-surgical units, emergency department, and long-term care wing. Hiring is competitive; having your WI CNA license and BLS certification is essential.
2. Ascension Wisconsin (formerly Kenosha Regional Medical Center): The other major hospital system in the city. It’s a full-service hospital with a wide range of units. Ascension often has unionized positions, which can offer better job security and defined wage steps. They are a reliable source of full-time and part-time CNA jobs.
3. The Kenosha County Division of Health & Human Services: While not a direct employer of CNAs, this agency oversees many community-based programs and long-term care facilities. They are a hub for information on state-certified facilities and can be a resource for job seekers.
4. St. Joseph’s Nursing Home: A large, well-established long-term care facility. It’s a classic employer for CNAs, offering consistent hours and experience in geriatric care. It’s a union shop, which can be a pro for some (structured pay) and a con for others (less flexibility).
5. Heritage Senior Living (Kenosha Campus): Part of a larger Wisconsin-based chain, this facility specializes in assisted living and memory care. It’s a good option for CNAs who prefer a slightly different pace than a hospital or traditional nursing home.
6. Local Home Health Agencies: Companies like Interim HealthCare or Always Best Care serve the broader Kenosha area. These roles offer more independence but often come with less consistent hours and lower pay than facility-based work.
7. The Kenosha Unified School District (KUSD): While not a typical CNA employer, KUSD hires Health Assistants for its schools, which often require a CNA or similar certification. It’s a unique, M-F day shift option with summers off, though positions are rare and competitive.

Hiring Trends: The new Aurora hospital has created a more dynamic market. There’s a push for higher credentials and specialized skills. Facilities are increasingly looking for CNAs with experience in specific areas like dementia care or tracheostomy care. The growth is not in volume but in quality—employers want dedicated, skilled CNAs who can handle complex patient needs.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear, regulated path to becoming a CNA. The process is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

1. Complete a State-Approved Training Program: You must complete a minimum of 120 hours of training, which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. In Kenosha, you can find programs at:

   • Gateway Technical College (Kenosha Campus): This is the most reputable and affordable public option. Their program is well-regarded by local employers.
   • Private Career Schools: Institutions like Wisconsin Career Academy or Medical Career Institute offer accelerated programs, often at a higher cost.
   • Cost: Training programs typically range from $800 to $1,500. Some nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a set period (e.g., 6-12 months).

2. Pass the Competency Exam: After completing your training, you must pass the state competency exam, which consists of a written/oral portion and a skills demonstration. The exam fee is approximately $175.

3. Apply for State Certification: Once you pass the exam, you apply for your name to be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. There is a small fee for this process.

4. Background Check: You will be required to undergo a background check, which is standard for any healthcare position.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Enroll in a Program: Most programs at Gateway Tech run for 4-8 weeks, depending on the schedule (day, evening, or weekend).
• Complete Training & Exam: Add another 2-4 weeks to schedule and take the exam.
• Total Time: From the day you start class to the day you are on the registry, expect 2 to 3 months.

Insider Tip: If you are considering moving to Kenosha for a job, it’s often easier to secure a conditional job offer first. Some employers will sponsor your training if you commit to working for them. Contact the HR departments at Aurora or Ascension to inquire about such programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Nursing Assistant (CNA)s

Where you live in Kenosha impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is geographically divided by I-94, with the lake to the east and more suburban/rural areas to the west. Here are the best options for a CNA:

1. Downtown Kenosha / Harbor Market Area:

   • Lifestyle: Walkable, historic, with a vibrant arts scene and lakefront access. Best for younger CNAs who want a social, urban feel without big-city prices.
   • Commute: Easy access to Aurora and Ascension hospitals. You can often bike or walk if you live close.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200/month. Older buildings, some newly renovated lofts.

2. Pleasant Prairie (Bordering Kenosha to the South):

   • Lifestyle: Suburban, family-oriented, and safe. Home to the massive Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets and easy access to I-94. Very commuter-friendly.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major employers. A straight shot down Sheridan Road or Green Bay Road.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,350/month. Modern apartment complexes dominate here.

3. Somers (North of Kenosha):

   • Lifestyle: More rural and quiet, with larger lots and a slower pace. It’s a good option if you want space and don’t mind a slightly longer commute.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to employers in central Kenosha. Proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside can be a perk.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100/month. Fewer dedicated apartment complexes; more single-family home rentals.

4. The North Side (Bordered by 22nd Ave & 52nd St):

   • Lifestyle: A mix of older residential neighborhoods and commercial strips. More affordable, with a strong community feel. Be sure to research specific blocks, as quality can vary.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Ascension and other north-side employers. Very central.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000/month. The most budget-friendly option for a single person.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Kenosha doesn’t have to be a dead-end job. There are clear pathways for advancement, both within the CNA role and by using it as a springboard into nursing.

Specialty Premiums and Advancement Paths:

• Specialized CNA Roles: While not always formally certified, experienced CNAs who gain skills in specific units can sometimes negotiate higher pay. Examples include Hospice Care, Behavioral Health, or Surgical Tech Assistant roles. This knowledge is often gained on the job.
• Charge CNA / Mentor: In larger facilities like Aurora, a senior CNA may be promoted to a lead role, overseeing a unit and training new hires. This typically comes with a pay bump of $1-2/hour.
• Bridge to Nursing: This is the most common and lucrative path. Kenosha is home to Carthage College (BSN) and Gateway Technical College (ADN, LPN). Many local hospitals, especially Aurora and Ascension, offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees. A CNA with a year of experience can often enter an LPN or RN program with a much clearer understanding of the field.

10-Year Outlook:
The 4% job growth signals stability, not explosive growth. The real opportunity lies in the aging of Kenosha’s population. The demand for geriatric care in long-term facilities and home health will remain strong. However, the field is also modernizing. The push toward electronic health records (EHR) means CNAs who are tech-savvy will have an edge. Over the next decade, we expect to see a slow but steady increase in wages as the competition for skilled CNAs intensifies. The most significant growth will be for those who use the CNA as a stepping stone to an LPN or RN license, where salaries in Kenosha can reach $60,000 - $80,000+ for experienced nurses.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Deciding to move to Kenosha as a CNA is a trade-off. You’re choosing a lower cost of living and a stable job market over higher salaries and faster career growth found in larger cities. The table below summarizes the key considerations.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your rent and daily expenses are more manageable than in Milwaukee or Madison.	Modest Wages: The median salary of $35,363 is below the national average and may feel limiting long-term.
Stable Job Market: Major employers like Aurora and Ascension provide consistent openings.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to your monthly expenses.
Gateway to Advancement: Excellent local colleges for those wanting to bridge to LPN/RN roles.	Slower Job Growth (4%): Fewer new positions and less competition can mean less leverage in negotiations.
Lakefront Quality of Life: Access to Lake Michigan, parks, and a less hectic pace than big cities.	Weather: Harsh, snowy winters can be a challenge, especially for those commuting by car.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for a new CNA looking for an affordable place to start their career and gain solid experience. It’s also a good fit for experienced CNAs seeking a lower-stress, lower-cost environment, especially if they are planning to enter a nursing program. It is not the best choice for a CNA whose primary goal is to maximize their income immediately in a high-growth, competitive market. If you value stability, a manageable cost of living, and the potential for long-term educational advancement, Kenosha is a sensible and rewarding place to build your healthcare career.

FAQs

1. Is the rent of $1,071/month realistic for a CNA earning $35,363?
Yes, it is realistic but tight. Following the standard budgeting rule of spending no more than 30% of your gross income on housing, you should aim for rent below $885/month. The average