Real Estate Agent in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that real estate in Kenosha is a game of hustle, not just education. The median salary for a real estate agent here is $60,207/year, with an hourly equivalent of $28.95/hour. This puts you slightly below the national average of $61,480/year, but don't let that number fool you. The cost of living in Kenosha (index of 93.1) is significantly lower than the US average (100), meaning your dollar stretches further than in most major metros. The metro population is 98,210, a sweet spot: big enough to sustain a market, small enough that you can become a household name if you play your cards right.

The job market is stable but not explosive. There are 196 real estate agent jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of 3%. This isn't a boomtown for agents; it's a steady, relationship-driven market. You won't get rich overnight, but you can build a very comfortable, sustainable career.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your income will be highly variable, especially starting out. Commission is king, and your first year is often lean. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what agents at different stages can expect in Kenosha:

Experience Level	Annual Income Range (Est.)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $50,000	Heavily reliant on broker support, team leads, and rental listings. Building a client base from zero. Most income goes to business expenses.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $75,000	Established pipeline, repeat clients, and a referral network. You're likely closing 15-25 sides a year.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $110,000+	Strong reputation, specializes in certain neighborhoods or property types (e.g., lakefront, historic). High referral rate.
Expert/Top Producer (15+ yrs)	$120,000+	Market leader, often mentors other agents, may run a team. Dominates a specific niche (e.g., luxury, relocation, new construction).

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

How does Kenosha stack up against its WI peers? It's a solid middle-of-the-pack performer, especially when you factor in the lower cost of living.

• Milwaukee Metro: Higher ceiling (median of ~$65,000+), but a much higher cost of living (Milwaukee index ~98) and fierce competition in a denser, more corporate market.
• Madison Metro: Similar median (~$62,000), but the market is heavily driven by the state government and university (UW-Madison), creating a different, more stable rental and purchase cycle. Cost of living is higher (index ~97).
• Green Bay Metro: Slightly lower median (~$58,000), but with a very loyal, community-focused market. The Green Bay Packers influence the entire economy, creating unique seasonal ebbs and flows for real estate.
• Racine (Neighbor): Very similar to Kenosha in terms of median salary and cost of living. The markets are interconnected; many Kenosha agents also work in Racine, and vice-versa.

Insider Tip: Kenosha's proximity to Chicago (just 45 minutes south on I-94) is a huge, often underrated asset. You can tap into the Chicago relocation market—clients moving for work at companies like Uline or Abbott—who find Kenosha's prices and lakefront lifestyle irresistible.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the $60,207 median salary into a realistic monthly budget for Kenosha. This assumes you're a single agent without dependents for simplicity.

Pre-Tax Monthly Income: $5,017

• Federal Tax (Est. 12% bracket, after standard deduction): ~$450
• State Tax (WI progressive, avg ~4.5%): ~$225
• Self-Employment Tax (15.3% on ~85% of net): ~$650
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,692

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent of $1,071/month:

• Housing (Rent): $1,071
• Utilities (Avg for 1BR): $150
• Groceries: $300
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500
• Health Insurance (ACA Plan or Brokerage): $350
• Business Expenses (MLS, E&O, Marketing, Gas): $300
• Savings/Retirement (10% of take-home): $369
• Discretionary/Other: $0 (This budget is tight)

Monthly Budget Summary:

• Total Fixed Expenses: ~$2,671
• Remaining for Discretionary/Savings: ~$1,021

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with careful planning. A median-priced home in Kenosha (~$275,000) requires a down payment. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), your mortgage (PITI) would be around $1,500-$1,600/month. This is only slightly higher than the average rent, and tax deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes) can make it more affordable than it appears.

However, the challenge is the down payment. Saving $55,000 on a median agent income takes discipline. Most successful agents I know in Kenosha buy their first home after 4-5 years in the business, often using a conventional loan with 5-10% down, or by partnering with a spouse/partner with a steady W-2 income.

Insider Tip: Kenosha's property taxes are relatively high (part of the reason the cost of living index is below 100). Always factor in ~2-2.5% of the home's value annually for property taxes when calculating your true housing cost.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

While real estate agents are typically independent contractors, the health of the job market for your clients directly impacts yours. Kenosha's economy is a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Here are the major employers driving the housing market:

1. Uline: The shipping supply giant is headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, just north of Kenosha. It's one of the largest private employers in the region, drawing in thousands of professionals and their families. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on corporate, logistics, and warehouse roles. This means consistent demand for both single-family homes and high-end apartments.
2. Abbott Laboratories: A global healthcare company with a major manufacturing and R&D campus in Kenosha. Very stable, high-paying jobs. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a focus on engineering, STEM, and skilled trades. These employees often look for homes in the city's western suburbs (e.g., Pleasant Prairie, Bristol).
3. Kenosha County & City of Kenosha: The public sector is a massive employer, from police and fire to administrative roles. Hiring Trend: Stable, cyclical with budget cycles. Government employees often prefer living within the city limits for shorter commutes.
4. Aurora Medical Center (Kenosha): A major regional hospital. Hiring Trend: Strong, especially for nurses, medical technicians, and support staff. Healthcare workers often seek homes near the hospital or in quiet suburban neighborhoods.
5. University of Wisconsin-Parkside: The university provides a steady stream of academic and administrative jobs. Hiring Trend: Stable, with seasonal fluctuations tied to the academic calendar. The student rental market is a niche but profitable area for agents specializing in investment properties.
6. Kohler Co. (Bristol/Kenosha border): A prestigious manufacturer of plumbing products. Hiring Trend: Strong, with a focus on skilled manufacturing, design, and engineering. Their employees often look for homes in the more upscale western suburbs.
7. Peggy Noonan & Associates (Real Estate Brokerage): While not a traditional employer, this is one of Kenosha's largest and most established brokerages. For new agents, getting affiliated with a top brokerage like this can provide the training, leads, and mentorship essential for early success.

Getting Licensed in WI

The process is straightforward but requires an initial investment of time and money.

Requirements (via Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - DSPS):

1. Education: Complete a 72-hour pre-licensing course from an accredited school (Cost: $300 - $600). This can be done online or in-person.
2. Exam: Pass the Wisconsin Salesperson Exam (Cost: $82). You'll schedule this through Pearson VUE after completing your coursework.
3. Background Check: Submit fingerprints for a background check (Cost: ~$45).
4. Application: Submit your license application to the DSPS (Cost: $85).
5. Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by a licensed Wisconsin broker. You cannot practice solo as a new agent.

Total Estimated Cost: $512 - $812
Timeline: 3-6 Months. The course is self-paced but takes most people 2-3 months to complete. Scheduling the exam and processing the license can take another 1-2 months.

Insider Tip: Don't just pick the cheapest online course. Look for one that offers live Zoom sessions or local in-person components. Building that initial network with fellow students is invaluable. Also, start interviewing brokers before you finish your course. A good broker will guide you on local practices and may even reimburse some of your licensing costs.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute, your client base, and your lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Downtown Kenosha (Harbor, Library District):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, lakefront. Filled with renovated loft apartments, historic homes, and new condo developments. A mix of young professionals, artists, and empty-nesters.
   • Commute: Walkable to the downtown brokerages and the lakefront festivals.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300/month (1BR).
   • Agent Fit: Perfect for agents who want to specialize in urban, historic, or lakefront properties. Great for networking at local events.

2. Pleasant Prairie (North of Kenosha):

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, and growing. Home to the massive Uline campus and popular shopping (Bass Pro, Shops at Kenosha).
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most of Kenosha. Easy access to I-94 for Chicago commutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month (1BR).
   • Agent Fit: Ideal for agents with families or who want to target the "move-up" market. Strong demand for single-family homes and townhomes.

3. Somers (East of Kenosha):

   • Vibe: Rural, quiet, with large lots and newer subdivisions. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown Kenosha.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200/month (1BR).
   • Agent Fit: Great for agents who want to work the first-time homebuyer and university staff market. A good place to find investment properties.

4. Bristol (Southwest of Kenosha):

   • Vibe: Small-town feel, more affluent, with larger homes and acreage. Home to Kohler and popular for horse properties.
   • Commute: 15-25 minutes to Kenosha.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month (1BR).
   • Agent Fit: Suitable for agents targeting the luxury or niche agricultural market. Requires more travel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth isn't about vertical ladders; it's about deepening your expertise and expanding your network.

Specialty Premiums (What Pays More):

• Luxury Lakefront Properties: Homes along Lake Michigan (from Kenosha to Bristol) command the highest commissions. This is a competitive, relationship-based niche.
• Investment/Commercial Properties: Working with landlords, flippers, and small business owners can provide a steady stream of transactions outside the residential cycle.
• Relocation Services: Tapping into the Chicago market for companies like Uline and Abbott is a lucrative specialty. Understanding both markets is key.
• Senior/Downsizing Specialists: With an aging population, helping seniors sell their family homes and move into condos or assisted living is a growing niche.

10-Year Outlook:
The 3% job growth is modest, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Kenosha's market is stable and less volatile than coastal cities. Over the next decade, we expect:

• Increased Demand from Chicago Transplants: As remote/hybrid work solidifies, more will seek Kenosha's affordability and lakefront access.
• Aging Population: More seniors will be downsizing, creating a wave of inventory.
• Steady, Not Speculative, Growth: Prices will rise with inflation and demand, but not in a bubble. It's a safe, long-term bet for a full-time career.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term agents in Kenosha don't just sell houses; they become community institutions. They sponsor little league teams, serve on local boards, and are the go-to source for information. That's the real growth strategy here.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $60,207 median salary goes further than in most metros.	Modest Market: Don't expect rapid, explosive growth. It's a steady, relationship-driven market.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Anchored by healthcare, education, and manufacturing.	Seasonality: The market slows down significantly in winter (Dec-Feb). You need savings to cover lean months.
Proximity to Chicago: A huge asset for relocation business without the Chicago COL.	High Property Taxes: Can be a surprise for new buyers.
Lakefront Lifestyle: A major draw for buyers and a unique selling point for agents.	Competition: While not as fierce as major cities, there are still many established agents.
Manageable Market Size: You can build a name for yourself without being lost in the crowd.	Lower Ceiling: Top-earner potential is lower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for a pragmatic, relationship-focused agent who values stability over high-risk, high-reward speculation. It's perfect for someone willing to put in the 5-7 years to build a reputation, who enjoys a community-oriented lifestyle, and who sees the value in the Chicago proximity. It's less ideal for an agent seeking a flashy, fast-paced, high-volume market from day one.

If you're patient, personable, and willing to be a local expert, Kenosha can provide a very solid and rewarding career.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to make a living as a new agent in Kenosha?
Yes, the first 2-3 years are challenging. With a median salary of $60,207, entry-level agents often earn less. You need a financial cushion (at least 6 months of living expenses) and a willingness to do rental listings and work on a team to get started. It's not a "get rich quick" market.

2. Do I need to specialize in a neighborhood?
Absolutely. Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Buyers will seek you out for your expertise in the Harbor District, Pleasant Prairie, or Bristol. Becoming the "go-to" agent for one area is more effective than being a generalist.

3. How do I compete with established brokerages like Noonan or Shorewest?
You don't compete directly; you collaborate. New agents should join a well-established brokerage to learn the ropes and gain credibility. Your value is your fresh perspective, energy, and hyperlocal knowledge (e.g., knowing which streets have new sidewalks being installed).

4. What's the biggest challenge in Kenosha's market right now?
Inventory. Like many markets, Kenosha has a shortage of homes for sale, especially in the affordable starter-home range ($200k-$300k). This creates a frustrating environment for first-time buyers and puts pressure on agents to find off-market opportunities.

5. Can I be a part-time agent in Kenosha?
You can, but it's very difficult to build momentum. The market is relationship-driven, and your part-time status may be seen as a lack of commitment by serious buyers and sellers. To succeed part-time, you need a very strong network and a niche (e.g., investor-focused). For most, full-time is the path to sustainability.