Project Manager in Kenosha, WI

Career Guide for Project Managers in Kenosha, WI

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the professional landscape of southeastern Wisconsin, I can tell you that Kenosha is a city with a distinct industrial and logistical heartbeat. It’s not the sprawling tech hub of Madison or the corporate giant of Milwaukee, but for a Project Manager, that can be a significant advantage. You’re not competing with thousands of other PMs; you’re a critical asset in a tight-knit business community. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground insight to help you decide if Kenosha is the right place to build your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. In Kenosha, the median salary for a Project Manager is $99,183/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.68/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you factor in Kenosha’s cost of living, which sits at 93.1 (US avg = 100), your paycheck goes further here than in many parts of the country.

Salaries, of course, vary by experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Kenosha market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Kenosha)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$70,000 - $85,000	Supports senior PMs, manages small project components, handles documentation and scheduling.
Mid-Level (4-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Owns project scope, budget, and timeline. Manages teams, stakeholders, and risk mitigation.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leads large-scale, complex projects. Strategic planning, portfolio management, mentoring junior PMs.
Expert/Principal (12+ yrs)	$135,000+	Sets methodology, influences organizational strategy, handles executive-level reporting, specialized industries.

How does this compare to other Wisconsin cities? Kenosha offers a compelling middle ground. It can’t match the higher salaries of Milwaukee ($103,500) or Madison ($102,200), but it significantly outperforms smaller Wisconsin metros like La Crosse ($92,100) or Eau Claire ($91,400). The key differentiator is affordability. A Project Manager in Milwaukee might earn $4,000 more annually but face a cost of living index of 96.8 and higher rent, potentially negating the salary advantage.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for Project Managers in the Kenosha metro is 6%. That’s steady, predictable growth, not a boom. There are currently 196 Project Manager jobs in the metro area. This means competition exists, but it’s not cutthroat. Companies value proven experience and local knowledge.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $99,183 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your daily life? Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single Project Manager in Kenosha, assuming a gross monthly income of $8,265.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Take-Home Pay Est. ~$6,200 after taxes)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$1,071	Average across Kenosha. Can range from $950 to $1,300.
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, and high-speed internet (~$70).
Groceries	$450	For one person, shopping at local chains like Pick ‘n Save or Aldi.
Transportation	$400	Car payment, gas, and insurance. Kenosha is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plan (employee contribution).
Miscellaneous	$800	Dining out, entertainment, gym, savings, debt payments.
Total Expenses	$3,151
Remaining (for savings/debt)	~$3,049

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $3,049 left after essential expenses, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home value in Kenosha County is around $310,000 (Zillow, 2023). A 20% down payment ($62,000) is a significant but achievable goal with disciplined saving over 2-3 years. Monthly mortgage payments, including taxes and insurance, for a $300,000 home would be roughly $1,900-$2,100, which is manageable on this salary, especially with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s economy is anchored in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. Project Managers are essential in these sectors, overseeing everything from plant expansions to IT integrations. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Uline: Headquartered in Pleasant Prairie (just south of Kenosha), this shipping supply giant is a massive employer. They’re constantly expanding their campus and logistics network. Project Managers here often manage construction projects, IT deployments, and supply chain process improvements. Hiring Trend: Aggressive growth; they frequently post for PM roles in construction, IT, and operations.

2. Aurora Medical Center Kenosha: A major healthcare provider and one of the area’s largest employers. They regularly need PMs for facility projects (like the recent expansion), IT system implementations (Epic, Cerner), and process optimization initiatives within the hospital. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on healthcare-specific PMs (PMP or CAPM preferred).

3. Peg Perego: The Italian child-product manufacturer has a significant production and distribution hub in Kenosha. They require PMs to manage product launches, supply chain projects, and facility upgrades. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to product launches and market expansion.

4. Kenosha County Government: The county itself is a major employer. Projects here range from public infrastructure (roads, bridges) to IT system upgrades for county services. These roles often come with excellent benefits and job stability. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for local candidates familiar with regional regulations.

5. Kendall College (National Louis University): As a higher education institution, Kendall needs PMs for campus development, technology integration in classrooms, and administrative system overhauls. Hiring Trend: Project-based, often tied to enrollment cycles and grant funding.

6. Local Logistics & Distribution Firms: Kenosha’s location on I-94 and Lake Michigan makes it a logistics hub. Companies like Bridgestone (tire distribution) and FedEx (operational hubs) need PMs to manage warehouse automation, fleet upgrades, and process efficiencies.

Insider Tip: Many of these employers don’t use recruiters. Check their career pages directly. Also, attend events hosted by the Kenosha Area Business and Economic Alliance (KABE) to network.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers, which is typical for the profession. However, certifications are crucial for credibility and higher pay.

• Key Certification: Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. To sit for the exam, you need:
  • A 4-year degree + 36 months of leading projects + 35 hours of project management education.
  • Cost: ~$555 for the exam (non-PMI member) or ~$405 (PMI member + membership fee). Add ~$1,000-$2,000 for prep courses.
• Timeline: From start to certification, expect 4-6 months if you have the required experience. The exam application can take 5-10 days to process.
• State-Specific Consideration: For public sector projects (county, city, schools), familiarity with Wisconsin’s public bidding and procurement laws is a huge plus. You can learn this on the job or through short courses from the Wisconsin Municipal Mutual Insurance Corporation (WMMIC) or UW-Extension.

Insider Tip: While not required, having your PMP can command a $10,000-$15,000 salary premium in the Kenosha market, especially with larger employers like Uline or Aurora.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will impact your commute, lifestyle, and rent.

1. Downtown Kenosha: Walkable, historic, with a vibrant restaurant and arts scene. Ideal for the PM who wants to live where they work and play. Commute to most employers is under 10 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400/month.

2. Somers (North of the city): More suburban, with newer housing developments and excellent access to I-94. Perfect for commuting to Pleasant Prairie (Uline) or Racine. Quieter, family-friendly.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,250/month.

3. Pleasant Prairie (just south of city limits): A hub of corporate offices and distribution centers. If you work for Uline or a similar logistics firm, living here could mean a sub-5-minute commute. More commercial than residential.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300/month.

4. Northside: An established, affordable residential area with easy access to Aurora Kenosha Medical Center and Highway 31. A practical choice for healthcare PMs.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100/month.

5. The Harbor (Lakefront): Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and is close to downtown attractions. Higher rent, but a premium lifestyle. Commutes are easy.

   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,600/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Kenosha is less about rapid vertical jumps and more about strategic lateral moves and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, PMP certification is a key differentiator. Beyond that, niche skills pay off:

  • IT/Software Project Management: Salaries at the higher end of the scale, especially with agile/scrum certifications.
  • Construction/Engineering PM: In demand with local contractors and the county. Requires familiarity with local building codes.
  • Healthcare PM: Aurora and other facilities value PMs with healthcare process knowledge.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager, to Senior PM, and then to Program Manager or Portfolio Manager. In Kenosha, many PMs also move into Operations Management or Director-level roles within their companies, especially in manufacturing and logistics.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The rise of e-commerce will continue to fuel logistics and warehousing projects. Healthcare will remain stable. The key to long-term growth will be adapting to new technologies (automation, AI in project management tools) and potentially managing remote/hybrid teams, which are becoming more common even in industrial settings.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Your $99,183 salary has tremendous purchasing power.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily reliant on manufacturing/logistics. Less variety for tech PMs.
Stable Job Market: Steady 6% growth with 196 current jobs from established employers.	Smaller Network: Fewer PM meetups and professional groups than in Milwaukee or Madison.
Strategic Location: Easy commute to Milwaukee/Chicago for networking, while living in a lower-cost area.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited; a vehicle is a necessity.
Quality of Life: Access to Lake Michigan, parks, and a growing downtown.	Slower Pace: Less "startup" or fast-growth energy compared to major tech hubs.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an excellent choice for a mid-career Project Manager (5-10 years of experience) who values stability, affordability, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s ideal if you work in manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare and want to stretch your salary while being within an hour of two major metro areas. It’s less ideal for a PM specializing in cutting-edge tech or seeking a hyper-competitive, high-growth environment right now.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car in Kenosha?
A: Yes. The public bus system exists but is not comprehensive for commuting to all employers. Most job sites (Uline, distribution centers) are not accessible by public transit alone.

Q: Is it easy to get a Project Manager job in Kenosha without local experience?
A: It’s possible, but you’ll face competition from local candidates. Tailor your resume to highlight experience with large-scale projects and any knowledge of manufacturing, logistics, or healthcare processes. Emphasize your willingness to learn local regulations.

Q: What’s the competition like for the 196 jobs?
A: With 196 openings and a metro population of 98,210, the competition is moderate. It’s not a buyer’s market like some tech hubs, but it’s not a seller’s market either. Your application will stand out if you have a PMP and directly address the needs of Kenosha’s core industries.

Q: How do I network in Kenosha if I’m new?
A: Join the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce and attend their events. The Project Management Institute (PMI) Southeast Wisconsin Chapter has meetings in Milwaukee but is worth the drive. Also, connect with alumni from UW-Parkside, which has a strong local network.

Q: What’s the biggest shock for new PMs moving to Kenosha?
A: The pace. It’s not a 24/7 city. Businesses close earlier, traffic is manageable, and the community is tight-knit. For those used to big-city anonymity, the friendliness can be a welcome change—or a minor adjustment.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kenosha County Economic Development, Zillow Research, PMI, and local employer career pages.