Career Guide for Pharmacists in Kenosha, WI

Kenosha, Wisconsin, sits on the stunning shore of Lake Michigan, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and lakeside living. As a career analyst who has watched the local healthcare landscape evolve, I can tell you that the pharmacy scene here is defined by its stability, a strong community health focus, and the powerful influence of nearby Chicago. This guide provides a no-nonsense, data-driven look at what it’s really like to build a career as a pharmacist in Kenosha.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial outlook for pharmacists in Kenosha is solid, if not spectacular. The Median Salary: $133,214/year is a reliable benchmark, translating to a comfortable Hourly Rate: $64.05/hour. This figure is slightly below the National Average: $136,030/year, a common trend for Midwest markets outside of major metropolitan hubs like Chicago or Minneapolis.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will naturally scale with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Kenosha market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Staff pharmacist duties, dispensing, patient counseling, basic clinical services.
Mid-Career (4-10 years)	$130,000 - $140,000	Increased clinical duties, medication therapy management (MTM), supervising interns/technicians.
Senior (10-20 years)	$140,000 - $155,000	Pharmacy management, specialty pharmacy, complex patient cases, formulary management.
Expert/Managerial (20+ years)	$155,000+	Director-level roles, corporate pharmacy leadership, advanced clinical specialist (e.g., oncology, infectious disease).

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

Kenosha's salary is competitive within the state, especially when factoring in cost of living.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)
Kenosha, WI	$133,214	93.1
Milwaukee, WI	$138,500	96.5
Madison, WI	$142,800	102.0
Green Bay, WI	$131,100	89.5
National Average	$136,030	100.0

While Milwaukee and Madison offer marginally higher salaries, their higher cost of living—particularly in Madison—means your money goes further in Kenosha. Green Bay is slightly cheaper but has fewer large employer options. Kenosha strikes a good balance.

Insider Tip: The Jobs in Metro: 196 figure from BLS data is telling. Kenosha is not a "hot" growth market; it's a stable one. The 10-Year Job Growth: -3% forecast reflects a national trend of pharmacy consolidation and automation. However, this shouldn't be a deal-breaker. In Kenosha, this means fewer openings but high retention. Roles are often filled through internal promotions or local networks. Don't expect a new chain store to open every month; focus on established players.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $133,214 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Kenosha? Let's break it down with a realistic post-tax, post-rent scenario.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, taking standard deduction, contributing 5% to a 401(k), and paying for standard health insurance. Wisconsin state income tax is progressive.

• Gross Annual Salary: $133,214
• Estimated Annual Taxes & Deductions (approx. 28%): ~$37,300
• Estimated Net Annual Income: ~$95,914
• Estimated Monthly Net Income: ~$7,993

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pharmacist Earning $133,214):

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apartment)	$1,071	Average for Kenosha.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Varies by season; lake effect winters can increase heating costs.
Groceries & Household	$500
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Assumes a modest car payment.
Health Insurance (Copays, etc.)	$150	Employer-sponsored plan.
Retirement Savings (5%)	$555	Pre-tax.
Discretionary/Savings	$5,067	For dining out, hobbies, travel, and additional savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $5,000 in discretionary income monthly, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Kenosha is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. On this salary, saving that amount could take 1-2 years of disciplined saving. A monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) on a $280,000 home would be approximately $1,800-$2,000, which is a very manageable portion of the net income.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's pharmacy job market is anchored by a few key players. While retail chains are present, the more stable and higher-paying roles are often in hospital, home infusion, and specialty pharmacy settings.

1. Aurora Medical Center Kenosha: The largest and most prominent hospital in the city. It's part of the Advocate Aurora Health system (now Advocate Health). They offer hospital pharmacy roles, clinical specialist positions (e.g., oncology, critical care), and management. Hiring trends are stable, with a preference for PharmD candidates with residency training.
2. Racine County Community Health Centers: This network of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) is a major employer for ambulatory care pharmacists. They focus on underserved populations, medication therapy management, and chronic disease management. A great place for those interested in public health and community care.
3. Walgreens & CVS: Several locations throughout Kenosha (e.g., 52nd Street, 80th Street, and near the lakefront). These are your standard retail pharmacy roles. While turnover exists, they are a common entry point. Be aware of corporate metrics and volume pressures.
4. Home Infusion Services (e.g., Option Care Health, Accredo): Kenosha's proximity to I-94 makes it a hub for home infusion companies that serve the greater Chicago and Milwaukee areas. These roles are typically Monday-Friday, business hours, focusing on complex IV therapies. They often pay a premium over retail.
5. Froedtert South (formerly Kenosha Medical Center): Now part of the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin system. This is the other major hospital in the city. It offers another set of hospital pharmacy opportunities, often with a different patient demographic and formulary.
6. Local Independent Pharmacies: While smaller, independents like Kenosha Pharmacy & Compounding offer a different work environment. They are less common but can be excellent for those seeking a slower pace, compounding work, or a tight-knit community feel. Hiring is sporadic and often comes from personal referrals.
7. Long-Term Care (LTC) Pharmacies: Companies servicing nursing homes in the area (like Omnicare, a part of CVS Health) employ pharmacists for LTC consulting and dispensing. This is a growing sector due to the aging population.

Insider Tip: The most competitive jobs are at Aurora and Froedtert. Network with current staff pharmacists at these hospitals. Attend local Wisconsin Pharmacy Association (WPhA) events—Kenosha's proximity to Milwaukee means state-level events are accessible.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

1. Graduation from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program.
2. NAPLEX Exam: The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination. The national pass rate is around 85-90%.
3. Wisconsin MPJE: The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam for Wisconsin. This tests your knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations. It's a critical step and requires dedicated study of Wisconsin statutes.
4. Fingerprinting and Background Check: Required for all applicants.
5. Practical Experience: Wisconsin requires 1,500 hours of practice experience under a licensed pharmacist. This is typically completed during your 4th year of pharmacy school (APPEs). If you are an out-of-state pharmacist, you must apply for licensure by examination or reciprocity and may need to complete additional hours if your experience is deemed insufficient.

Timeline & Costs:

• Process: 3-6 months from exam completion to receiving your license, if all paperwork is in order.
• Estimated Costs:
  • NAPLEX Fee: $485
  • Wisconsin MPJE Fee: $95
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Fingerprinting: ~$50
  • Total (Exams & Fees): ~$680

Wisconsin Pharmacists Association (WPhA) is an invaluable resource for exam prep and licensure updates.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Where you live in Kenosha will dictate your commute, lifestyle, and rent. The city is divided by I-94, with the lakefront being the prime destination.

Neighborhood	Commute to Major Employers	Vibe & Lifestyle	Estimated 1BR Rent
Lakefront/Downtown	5-15 mins to Aurora, Froedtert, and most retail.	Walkable, scenic, historic. Close to restaurants, parks, and the lake. Can be pricier but worth it for the lifestyle.	$1,150 - $1,400
Prairie School District (West Side)	10-20 mins. Easy access to I-94 for hospital commutes.	Suburban, family-oriented, excellent schools. Quieter, more space.	$1,000 - $1,200
Somers/Ext. North	15-25 mins. Closer to Aurora Medical Center.	Rapidly growing, newer developments. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.	$950 - $1,150
Bristol/Paris (West of I-94)	20-30 mins. Longer commute to hospitals.	Rural, small-town feel. Lower cost of living, more land. Not ideal for those seeking an urban vibe.	$800 - $1,000
Uptown (North of Downtown)	10-15 mins. Central location.	Historic, charming, with a mix of rental units and homes. Close to Kenosha's vibrant festival scene.	$1,050 - $1,300

Insider Tip: If you don't own a car, lakefront or downtown is essential. The bus system exists but is not comprehensive. Most pharmacists in Kenosha drive. For a quiet, suburban feel with a short commute to Aurora, the Prairie School district is a top choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth: -3% national forecast means you must be strategic. Growth in Kenosha will come from specialization and taking on leadership roles, not from a flood of new positions.

• Specialty Premiums: In Kenosha, the biggest salary jumps come from moving into Oncology, Infectious Disease, or Critical Care. Aurora and Froedtert have specialty clinics. Getting a PGY2 residency in one of these areas will instantly make you a top candidate and can add $10,000-$20,000 to your base salary.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Specialist: Requires PGY1 or PGY2 residency. Focus on a niche.
  2. Pharmacy Manager: Move into leadership at a retail chain or hospital. Requires strong business acumen.
  3. Managed Care/Industry: Some pharmacists in the region work for insurance companies (like UnitedHealthcare or Humana) in prior authorization or formulary management. These are often remote roles but based on WI licensure.
  4. Ambulatory Care: The shift to outpatient care is strong. Working in a clinic for a specialty like anticoagulation or diabetes management is a growing area.
• 10-Year Outlook: The Kenosha market will remain stable. Automation will continue to handle dispensing, elevating the pharmacist's role into direct patient care and chronic disease management. Pharmacists who embrace MTM, immunizations, and point-of-care testing will have the best job security. Those who remain solely in traditional dispensing roles may face more competition.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in coastal cities or even Madison/Milwaukee.	Limited Growth: The job market is stable but not expanding. Competition for the best roles can be stiff.
Quality of Life: Unbeatable access to Lake Michigan, affordable housing, and a safe, community-focused environment.	Weather: Long, cold, snowy winters are a reality. If you hate winter, this is a major drawback.
Strategic Location: Close enough to Chicago (1-hour drive) for big-city amenities and networking, without the cost.	Smaller Network: Fewer local pharmacy events than in Milwaukee or Madison. You'll need to be proactive.
Stable Employers: Major hospital systems provide job security and good benefits.	Specialty Limits: While there are specialty roles, the range is narrower than in a major metro. You may need to travel for certain niche training.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an outstanding choice for pharmacists who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and a balanced pace. It's ideal for early- to mid-career pharmacists looking to buy a home, start a family, or enjoy lakefront living without the chaos of a major city. It's less ideal for those seeking rapid career advancement in a hyper-competitive environment or who require a vast array of very niche specialty roles. If you value community, affordability, and a stable career, Kenosha delivers.

FAQs

Q: How hard is it to find a job in Kenosha right now?
A: It's competitive but not impossible. The key is flexibility. Be open to both hospital and retail roles initially. The most direct path is through a hospital residency (PGY1) at Aurora or Froedtert. Direct applications for staff pharmacist positions at hospitals are often met with high competition, so having an "in" through a rotation or networking is crucial.

Q: Is the commute from Lakefront to Aurora Medical Center bad?
A: No, it's quite manageable. The drive is approximately 8-10 miles via 30th Avenue or Green Bay Road, taking about 15-20 minutes in normal traffic. I-94 is not required for this commute, which is a plus in winter.

Q: Do I need to be licensed in Illinois to work in Kenosha?
A: No. You only need a Wisconsin license. However, many Kenosha residents work in northern Illinois (e.g., Waukegan, North Chicago). If you are interested in that, you would need to also obtain an Illinois license, which requires passing their MPJE and meeting their specific requirements.

Q: What's the pharmacy school scene like near Kenosha?
A: The closest ACPE-accredited school is the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy (about a 1.5-hour drive). Other nearby options include University of Illinois at Chicago and Rosalind Franklin University. Kenosha does not have its own pharmacy school, so the local market relies on graduates from these programs.

Q: How do pharmacists fit into the community in Kenosha?
A: Pharmacists are highly respected. In a city of 98,210 people, you will quickly become a recognized professional. You will see patients at the grocery store, at local parks, and at community events. It’s a place where your work has a direct and visible impact on your neighbors.