Registered Nurse in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local who’s watched Kenosha’s healthcare scene evolve over the last decade, I can tell you straight up: the nursing salary here is solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living. You’re not going to get the high-six-figure match rates of a big coastal city, but your paycheck stretches a lot further in this lakefront community.

The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Kenosha is $84,288/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.52/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but don’t let that fool you. When you adjust for Kenosha’s cost of living index of 93.1 (where the US average is 100), your purchasing power here is actually better than the national average.

The metro area supports 883 nursing jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This growth is largely driven by an aging population in the surrounding Kenosha County area and the expansion of outpatient surgical centers and urgent care clinics. It’s a stable market—not explosive, but reliable.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$68,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$80,000 - $90,000
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$90,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialty (15+ years)	$105,000+

Insider Tip: The top end of the salary range is where you see the biggest local variance. Nurses with specialty certifications (think CCRN, OCN, or CEN) working in specialized units at Aurora or Froedtert South can command salaries at the higher end of the senior scale. A nurse with 10 years of ICU experience at Aurora Kenosha Medical Center will make significantly more than a nurse with the same experience on a general medical-surgical floor.

When you compare Kenosha to other Wisconsin cities, the picture gets interesting. Milwaukee, just 30 miles north, boasts a higher median salary (around $90,000), but the cost of living there is also about 15% higher. Madison, the state capital, has similar nursing salaries but an even higher cost of living. Kenosha hits a sweet spot: you’re within a 45-minute drive to the Milwaukee job market for higher-paying specialties, but you live in a more affordable, less congested community. It’s a common commute for nurses who want the big-city hospital experience without the big-city rent.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What does a $84,288/year salary actually mean for your bank account in Kenosha? We’ll break this down with a realistic monthly budget, assuming you’re a single filer and take the standard deduction for 2024 (federal taxes can vary, so this is an estimate).

First, your gross monthly income is $7,024. After federal, state (Wisconsin’s progressive tax), and FICA (Social Security & Medicare) taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly around $5,200 - $5,400 per month. This is a conservative estimate, assuming you contribute to a 401(k) and have standard health insurance deductions.

Now, let’s layer in costs. The average 1BR rent in Kenosha is $1,071/month. Let’s be realistic: for a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood (more on that below), you might spend $1,100 - $1,250/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a single RN in Kenosha:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,300	After taxes & standard deductions
Rent (1BR)	$1,150	Average for a quality unit
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Varies by season; heating costs rise in winter
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in Kenosha; public transit is limited
Groceries	$450	Wisconsin has sales tax on groceries, so budget a bit more
Healthcare (Out-of-Pocket)	$150	Copays, prescriptions
Debt/Student Loans	$300	Varies widely by individual
Savings/Discretionary	$2,600	This is the key advantage

With this model, you have a significant buffer for savings, travel, or paying down debt. The Cost of Living Index of 93.1 is your best friend here. A similar budget in a city like Chicago would be stretched thin.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The key is the down payment, not the monthly payment. Kenosha’s median home price hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000 - $56,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,400 - $1,600 range. This is only slightly higher than a premium 1BR apartment. Many nurses in Kenosha are homeowners by their late 20s or early 30s, a financial milestone that’s much harder to reach in larger metros. The trade-off is a longer-term commitment and maintenance, but the equity building is a major financial advantage.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s healthcare ecosystem is dominated by a few large systems, with a handful of solid community hospitals and specialty clinics. Hiring is active, especially for experienced nurses and those with flexibility in shift hours (nights and weekends).

1. Aurora Kenosha Medical Center (Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin): This is the 800-pound gorilla. It’s a 160-bed acute care hospital that recently rebranded but remains the primary Level II Trauma Center for the county. They have a busy ED, a strong cardiac program, and are expanding their orthopedic and stroke services. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring for Med-Surg, ICU, and ED. They offer sign-on bonuses (often $5,000 - $15,000) for night shift and experienced critical care nurses. Insider tip: Their new graduate residency program is competitive; apply early and highlight any clinical rotations you did in the area.

2. Rush University Medical Center - Kenosha Campus: Rush has a significant outpatient presence in Kenosha, focusing on cancer care (Rush Cancer Institute) and specialty clinics. It’s a different flavor than Aurora—more white-collar, research-focused. Hiring Trend: They hire for clinic nurses, infusion nurses, and procedural roles. Less turnover than the hospital, so openings are rarer but prestigious. Great for nurses who want a Monday-Friday schedule.

3. Amita Health (formerly Presence Health): Amita operates St. Mary’s Hospital in nearby Kankakee, IL (a 25-minute drive south). Many Kenosha nurses cross the state line for this job. The pay is often slightly higher (Illinois has a different minimum wage and tax structure), and the hospital has a great reputation for its maternity and pediatric care. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring for L&D, Peds, and Med-Surg. The commute is easy via I-94, and the toll road cost is negligible.

4. United Hospital System (UHS): This is Kenosha’s community-based system. It includes Kenosha Medical Center and St. Catherine’s Hospital in nearby Pleasant Prairie. They are known for their orthopedic, cardiac, and surgical services. Hiring Trend: They have a strong focus on nurse retention and professional development. Hiring is steady, with a need for nurses across all units. They often promote from within.

5. VA Medical Center (Zablocki VA Medical Center - Milwaukee): This is a major employer for Kenosha’s nursing community. It’s a 30-45 minute commute, but the federal benefits, job security, and pension are unparalleled. Hiring Trend: They hire for primary care, mental health, and specialty outpatient clinics. The application process is slow and bureaucratic, but the long-term payoff is significant.

6. Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin (South Milwaukee): A 30-minute drive north, this is a major academic medical center. Nurses here often see the most complex cases. Hiring Trend: They are perpetually hiring for critical care, OR, and procedural roles. The pay is at the top of the scale for the region, and the tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees is excellent.

7. Local Urgent Care & Primary Care Networks: Systems like Aurora Express Care, ProHealth Care, and Rush’s Immediate Care clinics hire RNs for triage, vaccinations, and minor procedures. Hiring Trend: High demand for RNs with strong assessment skills who want a predictable daytime schedule. Great for work-life balance.

Getting Licensed in WI

If you’re moving from another state, the licensure process is straightforward but requires time. Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If your primary state of residence is another compact state (like Illinois, Minnesota, or Florida), you can work in Wisconsin with your home state’s license. This is a huge advantage.

If you’re not from a compact state, you’ll need to apply for a Wisconsin RN license by endorsement. Here’s the timeline and process:

1. Submit Application: Go to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) website. The application fee is $123 (non-refundable).
2. Verification: You must verify your original licensure. This is done through the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) if applicable, or by submitting a Verification of Licensure form from your home state board. Some states charge a fee for this.
3. Fingerprinting & Background Check: Mandatory for all new Wisconsin licensees. You’ll schedule an electronic fingerprinting appointment (cost ~$35-$45). The DSPS will conduct a criminal background check.
4. Education Verification: Your nursing program must send official transcripts directly to the DSPS.
5. NCLEX: If you haven’t taken it in another compact state, you may need to take the NCLEX-RN. Wisconsin’s pass rate is consistently high, aligning with the national average.

Timeline: Start the process at least 8-12 weeks before your planned move. If your home state is in the compact, you could be working in as little as 2-3 weeks after applying.

Insider Tip: The DSPS website is notoriously clunky. Call their nursing department directly if you hit a snag. Also, if you’re moving from a non-compact state, consider applying for a temporary permit if you have a job offer pending licensure. This can cut your start time in half.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Kenosha is divided by the I-94 corridor and has distinct neighborhoods with different vibes. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Average 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Kenosha	Walkable, historic, lakefront. 5-10 min drive to Aurora.	$1,150 - $1,400	Nurses who want nightlife, restaurants, and lake views without a long commute.
Somers/Pleasant Prairie	Suburban, family-friendly. 10-15 min to UHS St. Catherine’s.	$1,000 - $1,200	Homeowners, families, and those working at UHS or southside clinics.
Northside (near SHAW)	Quiet, residential, more affordable. 15 min to all hospitals.	$900 - $1,100	Budget-conscious nurses, new grads. Safe, but fewer amenities.
Bristol/Paris (West)	Rural, spacious. 20-25 min commute.	$950 - $1,150	Nurses who want land, a yard, and don’t mind driving. Closer to the Illinois border for Rush/Amita jobs.
Mount Pleasant (East)	Mid-range suburbs, great schools. 15-20 min to Aurora.	$1,100 - $1,300	A solid middle-ground choice for most nurses.

Personal Insight: For a single RN, Downtown Kenosha is unbeatable for lifestyle. You can walk to the harbor, visit the Kenosha Public Museum, and grab coffee at local spots like Spot Coffee. For a couple planning a family, Somers or Mount Pleasant offer more space and top-rated schools (like Indian Trail High School).

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Kenosha will depend heavily on your specialty and your willingness to pursue advanced education. The 6% job growth is a baseline; your personal growth will be faster if you specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• ICU/Critical Care: Expect a $2-$5/hour premium over base rate. Aurora and Froedtert South offer the most complex cases.
• Emergency Department: Similar premium. The high-acuity Level II trauma at Aurora is a major resume builder.
• OR/Perioperative: A specialized skill set with a $3-$6/hour premium. All major hospitals hire for these roles.
• Labor & Delivery: A premium specialty, especially at Amita Health. Highly competitive.
• Home Health & Hospice: Growing field in Kenosha County due to an aging population. Pay is often salaried or per-visit, with potential to earn $90,000+ with experience.

Advancement Paths:
The most common path is from bedside RN to Charge Nurse (manage a shift), then to Nurse Manager (oversees a unit). A faster financial boost comes from earning an advanced degree (BSN is standard; MSN is expected for management). Kenosha nurses often get their MSN from Cardinal Stritch University (local campus) or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Many employers offer $5,000 - $10,000/year in tuition reimbursement.

10-Year Outlook:
The demand will remain strong. The 6% growth is conservative; post-COVID, there’s increased focus on retention. Nurses with 10+ years of experience who also have management or education experience (like becoming a clinical educator) will have the most options. I expect to see more investment in nurse-led clinics and telehealth, especially in the cardiology and diabetes management spaces. By 2034, a nurse with 15 years of experience and a specialty certification could easily command $115,000 - $130,000 in this market.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable housing and overall cost of living.	Winters are harsh (long, cold, snowy).
Proximity to major metros (Milwaukee, Chicago) for higher pay or events.	Limited public transportation; a car is a must.
Stable job market with major healthcare systems.	Less diverse cultural scene than larger cities.
Lake Michigan access and outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, festivals).	Salary ceiling is lower than in major coastal cities.
Slower pace of life with less traffic.	Nightlife/entertainment is modest.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is an excellent choice for the pragmatic nurse—the one who wants to build a strong financial foundation, enjoy a good quality of life, and still have access to solid career opportunities. It’s perfect for:

• New grads wanting to buy a home quickly.
• Mid-career nurses seeking a better work-life balance.
• Nurses from compact states looking for a seamless transition.

It’s not the best fit for:

• Nurses who crave the energy and anonymity of a mega-metro.
• Those who want top-tier, subspecialized medicine exclusively (though you can drive to it).
• Anyone who hates winter.

If you value financial stability, community, and the option to be in a major city in under an hour, Kenosha is a hidden gem in the Midwest nursing landscape.

FAQs

Q: How do I get a job before I move?
A: It’s very doable. Aurora and UHS post openings on their websites and use platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. Be clear in your application that you’re relocating and confirm your eligibility to work in Wisconsin (compact license is a huge plus). Many hospitals offer virtual interviews and may provide relocation assistance for experienced nurses.

Q: Is the cost of living really that low?
A: Yes, but it’s rising. The 93.1 index is accurate, but housing costs have increased about 10-15% post-2020. Your biggest win is still on housing and taxes. A $1,100 apartment here is comparable to a $1,600+ apartment in Milwaukee or Chicago.

Q: What’s the winter really like for commuting?
A: It’s manageable but requires preparation. You’ll need a reliable car with