Pharmacist in Racine, WI

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for pharmacists considering a move to Racine, Wisconsin.

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The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

As a pharmacist in Racine, you're stepping into a market that offers a solid middle-ground salary, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The key is understanding how your experience level translates into earnings and how Racine stacks up against other Wisconsin cities.

The median salary for a pharmacist in Racine is $133,989/year, with an hourly rate of $64.42/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, it’s crucial to view this in context. Racine's cost of living index is 95.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in many parts of the country.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$115,000 - $125,000
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$128,000 - $140,000
Senior/Managerial	10-19 years	$140,000 - $155,000
Expert/Specialist	20+ years	$155,000+

When you compare Racine to other major Wisconsin metro areas, the differences become clearer. A pharmacist in the Milwaukee-Waukesha metro might earn a higher nominal salary (closer to $145,000+), but they will also face a significantly higher cost of living, especially in housing. In Madison, salaries are competitive with Milwaukee, but the rental and home-buying market is notoriously tight and expensive. Racine offers a compelling balance: a salary that provides a comfortable lifestyle, a reasonable commute, and more affordable housing options than the state's larger hubs. With only 153 pharmacist jobs in the metro area, the market is stable but not overflowing, meaning you need to be strategic in your search.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. A six-figure salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Racine? We'll use the median salary of $133,989/year for this breakdown.

Assuming a single filer with no dependents, here’s a realistic look at your monthly take-home pay and expenses.

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Salary	$11,166	$133,989 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes	-$2,800	Federal, FICA, and WI state income tax (approx. 25% effective rate)
Net Take-Home Pay	$8,366	This is your "can spend" amount
Rent (1BR Average)	-$842	City-wide average; varies by neighborhood
Utilities	-$200	Includes electricity, gas, internet
Groceries	-$450
Car Payment/Insurance	-$550	Assumes a typical car payment and WI insurance rates
Health Insurance	-$250	Employer-sponsored plan (pre-tax)
Retirement (401k)	-$800	Aggressive savings at ~10% of gross
Discretionary	$5,274	For dining out, entertainment, travel, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $5,000 in discretionary income after aggressive savings and all core expenses, a pharmacist in Racine is in an excellent position to buy a home. The Racine housing market is accessible compared to Milwaukee or Madison. As of late 2023, the median home price in Racine County is around $260,000. A 20% down payment would be $52,000, a goal that is very achievable on this salary within a few years of saving. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $260,000 home would likely be in the $1,700 - $1,900 range, which is comfortably manageable on your take-home pay.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

The Racine pharmacy job market is anchored by a few key players. While there are only 153 jobs in the metro, the opportunities are concentrated in a mix of large hospital systems, regional chains, and niche providers. Hiring is steady, but turnover is low, so you need to be persistent and network effectively.

Here are the primary employers you should be targeting:

1. Advocate Aurora Health (now Advocate Health): This is the 800-pound gorilla of healthcare in the region. Their Racine campus includes Advocate Lutheran General Hospital (just over the border in Park Ridge, a common commute) and several outpatient pharmacies. They are the largest employer of clinical pharmacists in the area, especially in inpatient, oncology, and critical care roles. Hiring trends show a strong push toward decentralized clinical services, meaning pharmacists are embedded in hospital units. Insider Tip: Lutheran General is a major trauma center, so experience in emergency or critical care pharmacy is highly valued.

2. Racine County Hospital District (Aurora Medical Center in Mount Pleasant): A newer, state-of-the-art facility that has become a major employer. It offers a modern work environment and focuses on a broad range of services. They often have openings for staff pharmacists and specialists in areas like ambulatory care. This hospital is a key driver of healthcare jobs in the southern part of the county.

3. Walgreens & CVS Health: As in most cities, these two national chains have a significant presence with multiple retail locations. These are often the most accessible entry points for newly licensed pharmacists or those moving from other states. They offer structured training programs and opportunities for pharmacy managers and district supervisors. Be aware that corporate metrics can be demanding, but the benefits and stability are reliable.

4. Ascension Wisconsin: While their presence in Racine itself is smaller than Advocate's, Ascension operates several pharmacies and clinics in the greater southeastern Wisconsin area. They are a key player in the regional market and worth monitoring for job openings, particularly in outpatient and specialty pharmacy services.

5. Omnicell (Liberty Lane Pharmacy): This is a critical piece of the local pharmacy ecosystem. Liberty Lane is a leading long-term care pharmacy, serving nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties. These roles are less about direct patient interaction and more about high-volume dispensing, packaging, and logistics. It's a stable, growing sector of the industry.

6. Rite Aid & Independent Pharmacies: While Rite Aid has a smaller footprint, it's a key employer. Additionally, don't overlook independent pharmacies like Pick 'n Save Pharmacy or smaller community drugstores. These often provide a more personal work environment and a closer connection to the community. They sometimes offer more flexible schedules and a wider variety of duties.

Getting Licensed in WI

If you're an out-of-state pharmacist, the first step is to transfer your license to Wisconsin. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Key Steps and Requirements:

1. NABP Score Transfer: You must have your NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) FPGEC score transferred to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). If you took the NAPLEX in another state, you'll need to request a score transfer.
2. MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam): You must pass the Wisconsin-specific MPJE. This exam tests your knowledge of state and federal pharmacy law. The Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board provides a content outline and reference materials on their website. Study the Wisconsin Pharmacy Practice Act, Administrative Code, and relevant statutes.
3. Application & Fees: Submit a complete application through the Wisconsin DSPS online portal. You'll need to provide a passport-style photo, proof of graduation, and potentially a background check. The application fee is currently $150, and the MPJE fee is $100.
4. Immunization Certification: To administer vaccines in Wisconsin, you must complete an APhA or PTCB-approved immunization certification program. This is often a one- or two-day course and is a standard requirement for most retail and clinical positions.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you already have a license in another state: Plan for 2-3 months. This allows time for score transfers, MPJE scheduling and results, and application processing.
• If you are a new graduate: The timeline is longer, encompassing your entire graduation and licensure process. Start researching Wisconsin's requirements during your final year of pharmacy school.

Always verify the most current requirements and fees directly with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Choosing where to live in Racine depends on your lifestyle and commute preferences. The city is geographically compact, so commutes are generally short.

• Downtown Racine: Perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action. Walkable to restaurants, cafes, and Lake Michigan parks. You'll find a mix of historic apartment buildings and newer loft-style conversions. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100/month.
• North Side / Uptown: A residential area with beautiful, older homes and tree-lined streets. It's quiet, family-friendly, and offers more space for your money. Commute is easy, typically 10-15 minutes to hospitals or major retail corridors. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950/month.
• Mount Pleasant: This is a rapidly growing suburb just west of Racine proper. It's home to the new Aurora Medical Center and has excellent schools, new shopping centers, and modern apartment complexes. It's a top choice for pharmacists working at the Mount Pleasant hospital. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200/month.
• Sturtevant: A small village located between Racine and Mount Pleasant. It offers a quiet, small-town feel with very easy access to I-94, making commutes to any employer a breeze. Housing is a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $900/month.
• Caledonia (North of Racine): A more suburban, spacious area with larger lots and newer subdivisions. It's ideal if you want a home with a yard and a short commute to the larger hospitals (Advocate Lutheran is very close). It's a bit more car-dependent. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000/month (limited apartment inventory, more single-family rentals).

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the overall job growth for pharmacists is projected to be -3% nationally over the next 10 years, reflecting market saturation in traditional dispensing roles, the field is evolving. In Racine, growth opportunities are tied to specialization and taking on non-traditional roles.

• Specialty Premiums: You can significantly boost your earning potential by moving into a specialty. Clinical roles in oncology, infectious disease, or critical care (especially within Advocate Health's system) can command a 10-20% premium over the median salary. Ambulatory care pharmacy, working directly with patients in a clinic setting to manage chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension, is a growing field with strong demand.

• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from staff pharmacist to Pharmacy Manager or Director. However, other paths are emerging:

  • Informatics Pharmacy: Working with electronic health records (EHR) to optimize medication ordering, safety, and data analysis. This is a critical role within large health systems like Advocate.
  • Managed Care/Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM): Working for an insurer or PBM (like Network Health, based in the region) to manage formularies and drug costs.
  • Industry Roles: While not as common as in larger cities, pharmaceutical sales or medical science liaison roles are sometimes available covering the southeastern Wisconsin territory.

• 10-Year Outlook in Racine: The -3% growth figure masks a shift. Demand for traditional retail dispensing roles may decline due to automation and mail-order pharmacies. However, demand for clinical, specialized, and patient-facing roles in health systems and clinics will remain strong and may even grow. To stay competitive, Racine pharmacists should focus on skills like patient counseling, chronic disease management, and immunization services. Networking through the Wisconsin Pharmacists Association (WPhA) is essential for staying on top of these trends.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Deciding to move to Racine is a personal choice that balances career opportunity with lifestyle. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your salary goes much further here. Housing costs are significantly lower than in Milwaukee or Madison, allowing for a high quality of life and strong savings potential.	Limited Job Market: With only 153 jobs, the market isn't huge. You may have fewer options to choose from compared to a larger metro area.
Manageable Commutes: The compact size of the city means you can live and work just about anywhere in the county with a commute of 15 minutes or less.	Negative Perception: Racine has faced economic challenges and a reputation for crime. While this is improving, it's important to research specific neighborhoods.
Diverse Practice Settings: You can work in a major hospital system, a retail chain, a long-term care pharmacy, or a small independent—all within a short drive.	Fewer "Big City" Amenities: You won't find the same breadth of cultural attractions, high-end dining, or major league sports as in Milwaukee or Chicago.
Strong Healthcare Anchor: Advocate Health provides a stable, large-scale employer with opportunities for clinical specialization and career advancement.	Slower Job Growth: The overall pharmacist job outlook is stagnant, so you need to be proactive in your career development.
Lake Michigan Lifestyle: The city's lakefront offers beautiful parks, beaches, and recreational activities, which is a major perk for residents.	Colder Winters: Like all of Wisconsin, Racine experiences long, cold winters, which can be a drawback for those unaccustomed to the climate.

Final Recommendation:
Racine is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize affordability, work-life balance, and a manageable lifestyle. It's ideal for early- to mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, save aggressively, and build a stable career without the high costs and intense competition of a major metropolis. It's also a great fit for those with families who value good schools and safe, quiet neighborhoods. If you're seeking a highly specialized, niche role or the buzz of a large city, you might find Milwaukee a better fit. But for a balanced, comfortable, and financially savvy career, Racine offers a compelling package.

FAQs

1. I'm a new pharmacist. Is Racine a good place to start my career?
Yes. The cost of living is low, which reduces financial pressure. Starting at a large chain like Walgreens or CVS can provide valuable experience and training. The manageable size of the city also makes it less intimidating than a larger metro area.

2. How competitive are the hospital pharmacy jobs at Advocate?
They are moderately competitive. Having a PGY-1 residency is a significant advantage for clinical roles, but not always required for staff pharmacist positions. Highlighting experience in a fast-paced hospital setting, certifications (like BCPS), and a strong knowledge of EHR systems will make your application stand out.

3. What is the pharmacy community like in Racine?
It's a tight-knit community. Pharmacists from different employers often know each other. Joining the WPhA and attending local events is a great way to network. The environment is generally collaborative rather than cutthroat.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, particularly in retail and long-term care settings. Hospital roles are more likely to be full-time, but some offer 10- or 12-hour shifts that provide more days off. It's always best to discuss flexibility during the interview process.

5. How does the cost of living really compare to Milwaukee?
While salaries in Milwaukee might be 5-10% higher, housing costs are often 30-40% higher. You'll also face higher taxes in some cases and potentially longer, more stressful commutes. The overall financial picture is often better in Racine, especially for those looking to build equity in a home.