Project Manager in Racine, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

Project Management in Wisconsin, and specifically in the Racine metro area, represents a stable and moderately compensated career path. You're not looking at the high-flying tech salaries of Madison or the explosive growth of Milwaukee's consulting scene, but you are looking at a solid, livable wage that goes further here than in many parts of the country. The key is understanding where you fit into the local market and how it stacks up against the rest of the state.

Let's get the core numbers out of the way. The median salary for a Project Manager in the Racine metropolitan area is $99,760/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.96/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, a typical scenario for a mid-sized metro in the Midwest. The job market is tight but present, with 153 Project Management positions currently listed in the metro, and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent demand, largely driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and local government projects.

To understand where you stand, you need to know the experience-level breakdown. While exact local data for each tier can be sparse, the following table is a realistic projection based on BLS data, local job postings, and industry conversations with managers at companies like SC Johnson and the Racine County Public Works department.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Racine)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Assisting senior PMs, managing small project components, tracking schedules in MS Project or Asana.
Mid-Level	4-8 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Leading full project lifecycles, managing budgets of $50k-$500k, cross-functional team coordination.
Senior-Level	9-15 years	$110,000 - $140,000	Strategic portfolio management, mentoring junior PMs, stakeholder management at the director level.
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$145,000+	PMO leadership, methodology implementation (Agile, Waterfall), executive-level reporting.

Insider Tip: The jump from Mid to Senior in Racine is the most critical. At this stage, you're not just managing projects—you're managing relationships with key local employers. A Senior PM at a manufacturing firm like Modine or a healthcare system like Ascension Wisconsin isn't just a scheduler; they're a translator between the shop floor and the executive suite.

When compared to other Wisconsin cities, Racine's salary is a middle child. It's higher than Green Bay or La Crosse but trails Milwaukee and Madison significantly. The trade-off is cost of living. A Project Manager earning $99,760 in Racine has a similar, if not better, standard of living than a colleague earning $115,000 in Milwaukee, once you factor in housing and commute times.

City	Median PM Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Driver
Racine	$99,760	95.0	Manufacturing, Logistics, Healthcare
Milwaukee	~$108,000	98.5	Finance, Insurance, Consulting
Madison	~$112,000	102.3	Tech, Government, Healthcare
Green Bay	~$88,000	93.1	Paper, Food Production, Healthcare

The data shows a clear pattern: salaries scale with the size and economic diversity of the metro. Racine's economy is heavily anchored in legacy manufacturing (think SC Johnson's iconic headquarters) and its port, which creates a different project management flavor—one grounded in supply chain, plant expansions, and industrial logistics rather than software development sprints.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. Let's break down a realistic monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the Racine median of $99,760/year.

Assuming you're filing as a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction, and accounting for federal income tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Wisconsin state tax, your take-home pay will be approximately $6,200 per month. This is a conservative estimate after all taxes.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $8,313
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $6,200
• Average 1BR Rent (Racine): $842/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $180/month
• Groceries & Household: $500/month
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600/month (essential in Racine)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300/month (pre-tax)
• Retirement (401k, 10%): $830/month (pre-tax)
• Discretionary Spending: $1,748/month

This budget leaves significant room for discretionary spending, savings, or debt repayment. The $842/month average rent is a major advantage. The Cost of Living Index of 95.0 means your dollar stretches further than the national average. For a Project Manager with a few years of experience, renting a comfortable one-bedroom in a desirable neighborhood is very achievable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of $6,200/month and a conservative mortgage estimate of $1,400/month (including taxes and insurance) for a $250,000 home—a solid starter home or a modest single-family in a good Racine neighborhood—your housing cost would be ~23% of your take-home pay. This is well within the recommended 28-30% threshold. The median home price in Racine County hovers around $260,000, making homeownership a realistic goal for a mid-career Project Manager here.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

The 153 Project Management jobs in the metro aren't spread evenly. They cluster around a few key industries. Understanding these employers is crucial for tailoring your resume and networking. Here’s a look at the major players and their project management needs.

1. SC Johnson: The crown jewel of Racine. This global consumer goods giant (Windex, Raid, Ziploc) has a massive footprint here. They hire PMs for everything from facility expansions (like their famous Golden Rondelle) to new product introduction (NPI) and IT system implementations. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value PMs with experience in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and strong stakeholder management skills. Insider Tip: Knowing the difference between Agile (for R&D projects) and Stage-Gate (for plant operations) is a huge plus here.

2. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints & Wheaton Franciscan Hospitals): With two major hospitals in Racine, the healthcare system is a constant source of project work. PMs are needed for EHR (Electronic Health Record) system upgrades (like Epic), facility renovations, and regulatory compliance projects. The pace is different from manufacturing—it’s driven by patient care and federal mandates. Hiring Trend: There’s a strong push for PMs with a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification and experience in HIPAA compliance.

3. Racine County Government & City of Racine: Public sector projects are a stable employer. Think road construction (like the ongoing Highway 31 improvements), public facility upgrades (libraries, parks), and IT modernization for civic services. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security but can be slower-paced. Insider Tip: Familiarity with public procurement processes and grant management is a significant advantage for these roles.

4. Modine Manufacturing: A global leader in thermal management systems, Modine has a significant presence in Racine. They hire PMs for plant efficiency projects, new product launch for automotive and HVAC sectors, and capital expenditure (CapEx) management. This is a great fit for PMs with a mechanical or industrial engineering background. Hiring Trend: Demand is up for PMs who can manage cross-border projects with Modine's manufacturing sites in Mexico and Asia.

5. Racine Unified School District (RUSD): One of the largest employers in the county. Projects range from building new schools and modernizing technology infrastructure to implementing new educational programs. It requires PMs who can navigate the unique complexities of public education, including board approvals and community engagement.

6. Kenosha County (for jobs in nearby Pleasant Prairie): Just north of Racine, the Amazon fulfillment center and other logistics hubs have created a surge in project management roles focused on supply chain, facility optimization, and technology integration. The commute is short (15-20 minutes), and the pay is often at the higher end of the Racine scale.

7. Jockey International: The underwear and apparel giant based in nearby Kenosha, but a major employer for the region. They hire PMs for supply chain projects, retail system implementations, and design studio operations. Insider Tip: Their campus is a modern, creative environment, a contrast to the industrial feel of some other major employers.

Getting Licensed in WI

For Project Managers, "licensing" isn't about a state-mandated exam like it is for engineers or architects. The key credential is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI). While not legally required, it is the de facto standard and often a prerequisite for senior roles in Racine's major employers.

State-Specific Requirements: Wisconsin does not have a state license for Project Managers. Your eligibility is based on your experience and education, which you'll document for the PMP exam.

The PMP Pathway & Costs:

1. Education: You need either a four-year degree (23 hours of project management education) or a high school diploma (35 hours of project management education). Many local professionals complete this via online courses from PMI or universities like UW-Parkside.
2. Experience: 36 months leading projects with a four-year degree, or 60 months with a high school diploma.
3. Exam: The PMP exam fee is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. A membership costs $129 annually, so it's usually worth it.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Months 1-2: Enroll in a PMP prep course (local options exist at UW-Parkside or through virtual instructors). Document your project experience.
• Month 3: Apply to PMI for the exam. The approval process can take 5-10 business days.
• Month 4: Schedule and take the exam. Most professionals spend 4-8 weeks studying after the prep course.
• Total Cost (Exam + Study Materials): $600 - $1,000.

Insider Tip: For a Project Manager new to Racine, getting your PMP is the single best investment you can make. It immediately signals your commitment to the profession and helps overcome any "outsider" bias. Mention your PMP on your LinkedIn profile and in your resume headline.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Racine's neighborhoods offer distinct lifestyles, and your choice will impact your commute, daily life, and social scene. For a Project Manager, proximity to major employers and quality of life are key. Here’s a breakdown of four top choices.

1. Downtown Racine / The HarborPath Area:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, revitalizing. Home to the famous Racine Art Museum,_memoryPublic Market, and Lake Michigan.
   • Commute: Walk or bike to jobs at SC Johnson, the County Courthouse, or the hospitals. A 10-minute drive to most other employers.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month (for modern apartments or historic lofts).
   • Best For: The PM who wants an active, social scene and hates a long commute. Great for networking events held downtown.

2. North Bay / Mount Pleasant (East of I-94):

   • Vibe: Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. Tree-lined streets, good schools, and shopping centers.
   • Commute: 10-15 minute drive to SC Johnson, Modine, and the I-94 corridor businesses. 20 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950/month (for apartments and townhomes).
   • Best For: Established PMs with families seeking space and top-rated schools (like the Mount Pleasant School District).

3. The Lakefront (North of Downtown):

   • Vibe: Prestigious, scenic. Large, historic homes and lake views. Home to the prestigious "Lakefront" area near the university.
   • Commute: 10-minute drive to downtown and hospitals. 15 minutes to SC Johnson.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month (for apartments; house rentals are much higher).
   • Best For: Senior-level PMs or those who prioritize a high-quality lifestyle and are willing to pay a slight premium for the location.

4. Uptown / The "Bike Path" Area:

   • Vibe: Up-and-coming, diverse, and affordable. Close to the Root River and a major bike path.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers via the highway.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month (some of the most affordable quality rentals in the city).
   • Best For: Entry-level or mid-career PMs looking to maximize their budget while still being close to amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Racine is minimal. The biggest "commute" factor isn't distance, but whether you're crossing the railroad tracks that bisect the city. Living on the same side of the tracks as your workplace can save you 5-10 minutes and avoid unpredictable delays.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A 6% job growth over 10 years indicates a stable market, but not one that will dramatically expand on its own. Your career growth in Racine will be driven by specialization and strategic moves, not just tenure.

Specialty Premiums: In Racine, certain specializations command higher salaries:

• IT/Software Implementation PM: Can command a 10-15% premium over the median, especially with Agile/Scrum certification. Key employers: Ascension, local tech firms, and SC Johnson's IT division.
• Construction/Civil PM: With ongoing infrastructure projects, certified Construction PMs (CMAA, LEED) are in high demand and can earn $110,000+.
• Supply Chain/Logistics PM: The port and manufacturing base create demand. Expertise in SAP or other ERP systems is a major asset.

Advancement Paths:

1. Vertical: PM → Senior PM → PMO Director → VP of Operations. This path is most common at large employers like SC Johnson or Ascension.
2. Consulting: Start at a local firm (e.g., engineering consultants for public works) and build a portfolio to go independent. This is viable for senior PMs with a strong local network.
3. Cross-Industry: A manufacturing PM can transition to healthcare (Ascension) or vice-versa. The core skills are transferable, and the local network is small enough that this is feasible.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth will be uneven. Sectors like healthcare and logistics will likely outperform the average, while traditional manufacturing may see slower growth. The key for a Project Manager will be to build a hybrid skillset—combining traditional PM expertise with knowledge of digital tools (data analytics, project management software) and local industry needs (supply chain, regulatory compliance).

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Deciding on Racine is about matching its offerings with your personal and professional priorities. It’s not a major tech hub, but it’s a deeply rooted, affordable community with real opportunities for a skilled Project Manager.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $99,760 salary goes far, with affordable rent ($842/month avg) and home prices.	Limited Industry Diversity: Heavily reliant on manufacturing and healthcare; less variety than Milwaukee or Madison.
Stable Job Market: Major, established employers provide job security and consistent project work.	Slower Pace: Fewer "fast-growing" startup projects; career progression can be more linear.
Short Commutes: You can live and work in the same city, with most commutes under 20 minutes.	Limited "Prestige": Less recognition for Racine-based companies compared to Milwaukee or national firms.
Outdoor & Lake Access: Unbeatable access to Lake Michigan, parks, and bike trails for work-life balance.	Social Scene: Smaller, more insular professional network; requires effort to build connections.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent choice for a mid-career Project Manager who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for someone looking to buy a home, build a long-term career with a single employer, and enjoy the benefits of a close-knit community with big-city access (Milwaukee is a 30-minute drive).