Career Guide for Physical Therapists in Racine, WI

As a Physical Therapist (PT) considering a move to Racine, WI, you're looking at a market that offers a solid foundation in salary, a reasonable cost of living, and a clear path for career growth. This guide is designed to give you the unvarnished, local perspective—no fluff, just the data and insights you need to make an informed decision. I've spent years analyzing healthcare markets in the Great Lakes region, and Racine has a specific character: it's a working-class city with a strong sense of community, sandwiched between the larger Milwaukee and Chicago metros. Let's break down what it means to build your career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

For a Physical Therapist in the Racine metro area, the numbers paint a reassuring picture. The median salary is $98,214 per year. If you're thinking in terms of hourly work, that translates to an hourly rate of $47.22. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $99,710/year, but given Racine's lower cost of living, your purchasing power can be stronger here than in many coastal cities.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 153 jobs available in the metro area at any given time, which indicates a consistent need for PTs but also a competitive environment where experience and specialization matter. The 10-year job growth is projected at 14%, which is healthy and aligns with national trends, driven by an aging population and increased focus on outpatient rehabilitation.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will vary significantly based on your experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Racine area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Racine
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$82,000 - $90,000	Often starts in hospital-based acute care or larger outpatient clinics. May involve rotating shifts.
Mid-Career (3-8 years)	$95,000 - $108,000	This is where you'll see the median. Specialization (e.g., orthopedics, neurology) can push you toward the higher end.
Senior (9-15 years)	$105,000 - $120,000	Often involves lead clinician roles, mentoring, or managing a specialty program. Positions in home health or private practice are common.
Expert/Leadership (15+ years)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Typically management (clinic director, rehab director) or highly niche practices. This can exceed the median significantly.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

To understand Racine's position, it's helpful to compare it to nearby hubs:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Notes
Racine	$98,214	95.0	Lower cost of living balances the salary. Solid for Midwest.
Milwaukee	~$99,500	98.5	Slightly higher salary, but closer to national average. Higher competition.
Madison	~$102,000	105.0	State capital, university-driven. Higher salary but significantly higher housing costs.
Green Bay	~$94,500	92.0	Lower salary but even lower cost of living. Less dense job market.

Insider Tip: While Milwaukee and Madison have marginally higher salaries, Racine's affordability makes your $98,214 go further, especially if you're looking to buy a home. The proximity to Milwaukee (about 30 minutes) also means you could potentially commute for a higher-paying role while living in Racine's cheaper housing market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's move from gross to net. For this breakdown, we'll use the median salary of $98,214. We'll estimate using 2023-2024 tax brackets (federal + FICA ~22-25%), and the average 1BR rent of $842/month (a key advantage of Racine).

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a PT Earning $98,214:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$8,184
• Estimated Take-Home (after ~24% taxes): ~$6,220
• Housing (1BR Rent): -$842
• Utilities (Est.): -$200
• Groceries & Essentials: -$500
• Car Payment/Insurance (Racine is car-dependent): -$500
• Health Insurance Premium (Post-tax): -$300
• Student Loans (Avg. $500/mo for DPT): -$500
• Retirement & Savings (10%): -$620
• Discretionary Spending (Food, fun, etc.): -$758

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of over $6,200 and average rent at $842, you have significant saving capacity. A typical starter home in a safe Racine neighborhood (like Mt. Pleasant or the northern parts of the city) can range from $180,000 to $250,000. A 20% down payment would be $36,000-$50,000. With disciplined saving for 2-3 years, homeownership is very realistic on this salary. This is a major advantage over cities like Madison or Milwaukee where home prices are substantially higher.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

Racine's healthcare landscape is anchored by a few key players. Hiring trends show a steady demand, with a slight preference for PTs with orthopedic or geriatric certifications. Here are the primary employers:

1. Aurora Medical Center - Racine: The largest hospital in the city. A major hub for acute care, inpatient rehab, and outpatient orthopedics. They frequently hire for full-time and PRN (as-needed) positions. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for PTs across all specialties, with growth in their outpatient sports medicine division.
2. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints Hospital): Another key hospital system. Strong in cardiac rehab, neurology, and home health services. Hiring Trend: Active in recruiting for home health and outpatient neuro. Often offers sign-on bonuses for experienced PTs.
3. Racine Rehabilitation Hospital: A dedicated inpatient rehab facility (IRF). This is a prime spot for PTs specializing in stroke, spinal cord, and orthopedic trauma recovery. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on therapists who are comfortable with high-acuity patients.
4. ProHealth Care (in nearby Mukwonago/Waukesha): While not in Racine proper, it's a major regional employer within a 25-minute commute. Their outpatient clinics are well-regarded. Hiring Trend: Actively expanding their footprint in Racine County, especially in musculoskeletal rehab.
5. Private Practice & Outpatient Clinics: There is a thriving network of smaller clinics. Notable names include Racine Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine and Elite PT. Hiring Trend: These clinics often seek PTs with OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist) or SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist) certifications. They value patient relationships and are more likely to hire based on fit.
6. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Aurora at Home, Ascension at Home): A growing sector due to an aging population. Offers autonomy and a different pace. Hiring Trend: High demand. Requires a reliable vehicle and strong clinical reasoning for independent patient management.
7. School Districts (Racine Unified School District): For those interested in pediatrics. Positions are competitive and often require a Peds certification. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings typically aligned with the school year.

Insider Tip: The Racine job market values local connections. Attend events hosted by the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association (WPTA) district chapter. Many jobs, especially in private clinics, are filled through referrals before they're ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in WI

Practicing in Wisconsin requires a license from the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Examining Board, which is part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).

Requirements & Costs:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited DPT program.
2. Exams: Pass the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). You must also pass the Wisconsin Jurisprudence Exam (a state-specific law exam).
3. Application: Submit an application to the DSPS, which includes:
   • Official transcripts sent directly from your university.
   • FSBPT score report verification.
   • Background check (fingerprint-based).
   • Application fee: $170 (as of 2023-24).
   • Jurisprudence exam fee: $50.
4. Timeline: The process can take 4 to 8 weeks after you submit a complete application, provided there are no delays with background checks or score verifications. It's best to apply for your Wisconsin license as soon as you have a job offer, or even while you're still in your final clinical rotation if you're a new graduate.

Pro-Tip: Wisconsin is part of the Physical Therapy Compact (PT Compact). If you hold an active license in another compact state, the process is faster and cheaper. Check the PT Compact website to see if your state qualifies.

Best Neighborhoods for Physical Therapists

Racine is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For...
Mt. Pleasant	Suburban, safe, family-oriented. 15-20 min drive to most hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	PTs looking to buy a starter home. Excellent school district.
North Racine (e.g., Uptown)	Historic, walkable, artsy. Close to downtown and the lakefront.	$750 - $950	Younger professionals who want a social scene without Milwaukee prices.
Harbor	Quiet, residential, near the lake and bike trails. 10-min commute to Aurora.	$800 - $900	Those who prioritize outdoor activities and a peaceful environment.
Downtown Racine	Revitalizing, walkable, with restaurants and cafes.	$850 - $1,100	Urbanites who want to be in the heart of the action. Parking can be a challenge.
Caledonia (Just North)	More rural, lots of space, excellent for homebuyers on a larger lot.	$1,000+ (more houses)	PTs who want a yard and quiet, and don't mind a 20-25 min commute.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Racine is minimal compared to a major city. The I-94 corridor is the main artery. Living in Mt. Pleasant or Caledonia gives you easy highway access to Milwaukee for a larger city feel on weekends, while keeping your daily living costs low.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Racine is a great place to build a long-term career, especially if you plan to specialize or move into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: Earning a board certification can add $5,000-$15,000 to your annual salary. The most valued in the Racine area are:
  • OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist): High demand in outpatient clinics and hospitals.
  • GCS (Geriatric Clinical Specialist): Critical given the aging population. Valued in home health and SNFs.
  • NCS (Neurologic Clinical Specialist): Key for rehab hospital and neuro outpatient roles.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Staff PT -> Senior Clinician/Lead PT -> Clinic Director or Rehab Director. Moving into management often requires an MBA or a similarly advanced degree, but many senior PTs also find satisfaction in becoming a "clinician-expert" without formal management duties.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 14% growth, the market is expanding. The rise of value-based care and telehealth may create new hybrid roles. Racine's proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago also offers opportunities for consulting or part-time work in those larger markets without the high cost of living.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine offers a compelling balance of career stability, financial opportunity, and a manageable lifestyle. It's not a flashy, fast-growing tech hub, but a solid, affordable community where you can build a life as a healthcare professional.

Pros	Cons
Strong Purchasing Power – Median salary of $98,214 goes far with a cost of living index of 95.0.	Limited Nightlife/Scene – Quieter than Milwaukee or Chicago. You may need to commute for major events.
Affordable Housing – Average rent of $842/month and home prices achievable on a PT salary.	Car Dependency – Public transit is limited. A reliable car is a necessity.
Stable Job Market – 153 jobs and 14% growth indicate steady demand.	Smaller Network – Fewer specialty clinics and conferences than in larger metros.
Work-Life Balance – Short commutes (10-20 mins) and a less hectic pace of life.	Economic Fluctuations – As a manufacturing-based city, the local economy can be sensitive to industry shifts.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent choice for Physical Therapists who prioritize financial stability, affordability, and work-life balance. It's ideal for those in the early-to-mid stages of their career looking to save for a home or start a family. If you crave the energy of a major metropolitan area daily, you might find it limiting. However, its proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago makes it a strategic base for those who want big-city access without the big-city cost.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to find a job as a new graduate PT in Racine?
A: It's competitive, but very doable. New graduates should apply broadly to hospitals (Aurora, Ascension) and larger outpatient networks. Consider PRN positions to get your foot in the door. Having a clinical rotation in the area is a huge advantage.

Q: How does the cost of living really feel day-to-day?
A: It feels very manageable. The biggest savings are in housing. You can find a nice grocery store like Woodman's or Pick 'n Save without the premium prices of a coastal city. Your utility bills (especially heating in winter) will be higher, but overall, you'll have more disposable income.

Q: What's the winter like for commuting as a PT?
A: Winters are cold and snowy (average 40-50 inches of snow). Most employers are very understanding about weather delays. Public transportation is not a reliable primary option, so a car with good tires and a remote start is a wise investment. Most clinics and hospitals have ample parking.

Q: Are there opportunities to work in pediatrics?
A: Yes, but they are more limited. The Racine Unified School District is the main employer. Private practices with a pediatric focus are rare. Many PTs who specialize in pediatrics commute to Milwaukee or Chicago for more opportunities.

Q: What's the professional community like?
A: It's tight-knit. The Wisconsin PT Association's Southeast District holds regular meetings and CEU events in the Milwaukee/Racine area. It's a great way to network and stay current. Since the market is smaller, reputation matters significantly. A strong professional presence is key.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Zillow Rental Market Data, BestPlaces.net, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC). All salary and job data are specific to the Racine-Kenosha, WI Metro Area.