Registered Nurse in Racine, WI

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the Wisconsin job market, I can tell you that Racine isn't just another Milwaukee suburb—it's a distinct, blue-collar city with a strong healthcare backbone. If you're a Registered Nurse (RN) weighing a move here, you're looking at a market where your dollar stretches further than in Madison or Milwaukee, but your day-to-day work will be grounded in community-focused care. Let's break down what your life as an RN in Racine actually looks like, from your paycheck to your commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

First, let's talk numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the financial reality for an RN in Racine is solid, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

The median salary for a Registered Nurse in Racine is $84,778/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.76/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, but don't let that fool you. The key metric here is purchasing power. With Racine's cost of living index at 95.0 (where the U.S. average is 100), that $84,778 goes further here than it would in a high-cost metro area.

The Racine metro area, with a population of 76,608, has 689 jobs for RNs currently listed or active in the market, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This indicates a stable, not explosive, market—perfect for those seeking long-term stability rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a great baseline, your specific earnings will vary with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$68,000 - $75,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$78,000 - $92,000
Senior	8-15 years	$88,000 - $105,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$95,000 - $120,000+

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities

Racine holds a unique position in the state's nursing economy. It's not the high-paying powerhouse of Milwaukee, but it's more affordable and less saturated.

City	Median RN Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Takeaway
Racine	$84,778	95.0	Best balance of salary and affordability.
Milwaukee	~$90,000	98.5	Higher pay, but higher costs and competition.
Madison	~$88,500	102.8	State capital, high demand, but expensive housing.
Green Bay	~$78,500	88.0	Lower salary, but extremely low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How does that $84,778 salary translate to your monthly life in Racine?

Assumptions: Single filer, using standard 2024 tax brackets (federal, state, FICA). This is an estimate; your actual take-home will vary.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $84,778 / 12 = $7,065
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions (approx. 28%): ~$1,978
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,087

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$842	Average for Racine. Can range from $700-$1,100.
Utilities	$150	Includes heat, electric, internet.
Groceries	$300	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Assumes a modest car payment.
Gas/Transport	$120	Commuting within Racine is cheap.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Varies by employer.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$508	Critical for long-term wealth.
Discretionary Spending	$1,617	For dining, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The Racine housing market is one of its biggest draws. With a take-home of ~$5,087, dedicating 30% to housing ($1,526) is comfortable. The median home price in Racine is around $200,000. A 20% down payment is $40,000, but FHA loans require only 3.5% ($7,000). With the discretionary income shown above, saving for a down payment is very feasible within a few years, especially if you have a partner.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

The healthcare scene in Racine is dominated by a few key players. Knowing them is crucial for your job search.

1. Aurora Medical Center - Racine: Located in the Mount Pleasant area, this is a major regional hospital part of the Advocate Aurora Health system. It's a Level III Trauma Center and offers a wide range of specialties. Hiring Trend: Consistently hiring for Med-Surg, ICU, and Emergency. They value experience and offer strong tuition reimbursement for BSNs.
2. Ascension Wisconsin (All Saints Hospital): Located in downtown Racine, this is the historic core of the city's healthcare. It's now part of the massive Ascension network. Hiring Trend: Focus on community health, maternity, and primary care. Good for new grads looking for a close-knit unit feel.
3. Racine County Health Department: For RNs interested in public health, this is the primary employer. Roles include immunization clinics, maternal-child health, and communicable disease control. Hiring Trend: Stable government positions; competitive, with a focus on bilingual (Spanish/English) candidates.
4. Local Nursing Homes & Rehab Centers: Racine has a significant aging population. Facilities like Zilber Family Hospice and Sunny Ridge Health & Rehabilitation are major employers for RNs in geriatrics, palliative care, and long-term care. Hiring Trend: High demand, especially for night shifts and weekend coordinators.
5. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Ascension at Home, Aurora at Home): With the shift to care in the home, these agencies are growing. They offer more autonomy and flexible schedules. Hiring Trend: Rapid growth, especially for RN case managers and wound care specialists.
6. Racine Unified School District: School nurse positions are competitive but stable. Requires a Public Health Nurse (PHN) certification in addition to an RN license. Hiring Trend: Limited openings, but excellent for those seeking summers off and a daytime schedule.

Getting Licensed in WI

If you're licensed in another state, the process is straightforward but requires planning.

• Endorsement Application: If you hold an active, unrestricted license in another state, you can apply for licensure by endorsement through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). You'll need to verify your original education and exam (NCLEX) scores.
• Cost: Application fee is $142.50 (as of 2024). Background check is an additional $45.
• Compact State? Wisconsin is NOT part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). So, if you're coming from a compact state (like MN, IA, or IL), you will still need to get a standalone Wisconsin license. It's not a multi-state license.
• Timeline: The process typically takes 4-6 weeks once all documents are submitted. Start the application before you move and secure a job offer. You can work under a temporary permit while the full license is processed.
• Insider Tip: The DSPS website can be clunky. Call them directly if you hit a snag. Also, ensure your nursing school is accredited by a program recognized by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Where you live in Racine will define your daily life. Commutes are short, but lifestyle varies.

1. Downtown/Racine's Harborpath: Rent: $900 - $1,300. This is for the urbanite who wants walkable access to coffee shops, the library, and Lake Michigan. You'll be close to All Saints hospital. Parking can be a challenge, but the charm is undeniable.
2. Mount Pleasant (West of I-94): Rent: $850 - $1,100. This is where Aurora Medical Center is located. Suburban, family-friendly, with newer apartment complexes and strip malls. Very practical for a nurse prioritizing a short, stress-free commute.
3. Yorkville / Caledonia Border: Rent: $750 - $950. More rural feel, with larger lots and a quiet pace. You're a 15-minute drive to most hospitals. Great for those who want space and don't mind a short highway commute.
4. Northside (near the Root River): Rent: $700 - $900. A historic, working-class neighborhood with beautiful older homes. It's up-and-coming, with a strong community feel. You'll be close to downtown and the hospital, but do your research on specific blocks.
5. Sturtevant / Somers: Rent: $800 - $1,000. Technically just south of Racine, but part of the metro. Very quiet, with easy access to I-94. Ideal for nurses working at Aurora or who don't mind a slightly longer commute to downtown for a lower rent.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Racine's nursing market rewards specialization and local networking.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • ICU/Critical Care: +$5 to $8/hour over base.
  • OR/Perioperative: +$6 to $10/hour.
  • ER/Trauma: +$4 to $7/hour.
  • Home Health/Case Management: Often salaried, can exceed $90,000 with experience and mileage reimbursement.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from staff nurse to charge nurse, then to unit manager or clinical nurse specialist. Many local nurses leverage tuition assistance to get a Master's (MSN) or DNP from Marquette University (in Milwaukee) or University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee while working.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth is steady, not frantic. It means there will always be jobs, but competition for the best jobs (highly specialized, day shift, leadership) will remain. The trend is toward home health and outpatient care as the population ages. Investing in certifications in wound care, gerontology, or palliative care will serve you well.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, making homeownership realistic.	Smaller Metro: Fewer specialty hospitals and research opportunities than Milwaukee or Madison.
Stable Job Market: Established hospitals and a steady need for RNs.	Economic Challenges: Racine has a higher poverty rate; you'll see complex social determinants of health.
Short Commutes: No stressful, hour-long drives to work.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fine dining, major concerts, and airports are a drive to Milwaukee.
Lake Michigan Access: Beautiful beaches and outdoor recreation.	Weather: Harsh winters with heavy snow and cold.
Tight-Knit Community: You'll know your colleagues and neighbors.	Licensing Hurdle: Not a compact state, requiring a separate license.

Final Recommendation:
Racine is an excellent choice for the pragmatic, community-oriented RN. If you value a high quality of life on a moderate salary, want to buy a home, and prefer a less corporate healthcare environment, you'll thrive. It's less ideal for the RN seeking a hyper-specialized, research-driven career in a major academic medical center. For most, the financial and lifestyle benefits outweigh the limitations.

FAQs

1. What is the typical shift for an RN in Racine?
Most hospital jobs are 12-hour shifts (7 AM - 7 PM or 7 PM - 7 AM), often with weekend rotations every other weekend. Clinic and home health roles are typically Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM.

2. Is bilingualism (Spanish/English) a big advantage?
Yes, absolutely. Racine has a significant and growing Hispanic/Latino population. Being bilingual can give you a major edge in hiring, especially in public health, community clinics, and any patient-facing role. It's often a preferred qualification.

3. How easy is it to commute from Milwaukee to Racine?
The commute is straightforward via I-94, taking about 30-45 minutes without traffic. However, traffic can build up during rush hour. Many nurses do this reverse commute, but it's not necessary given Racine's own robust job market.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
Yes. Due to the stable hospital systems and numerous nursing homes, there is a consistent need for part-time and per-diem staff, especially for weekends and holidays. This is a great way to supplement income or transition into the area.

5. What's the best way to find a job in Racine?
Check the career pages of Aurora and Ascension directly. Also, use local staffing agencies like Aya Healthcare or Cross Country Nurses, which have strong relationships with Racine hospitals. Never underestimate the power of a direct application and a follow-up call.