Security Guard in Racine, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Racine Stands

As a local who’s watched the job market here for years, I can tell you that security work in Racine isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a stable, essential role with a clear value proposition. The median annual salary for Security Guards in the Racine metro area is $35,597, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.11. To put that in perspective, it sits just below the national average of $36,140. The market is compact, with approximately 153 security guard jobs in the metro area. While the long-term outlook is modest, with a 10-year job growth projected at 3%, this is a field driven by consistent need rather than explosive expansion.

For anyone considering this move, understanding the experience-based pay scale is crucial. Here’s how salaries typically break down in this region, based on local job postings and industry data.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$28,000 - $32,000	Basic patrol, access control, reporting, static posts.
Mid-Level	$33,000 - $38,000	Supervision of junior staff, handling incidents, specialized posts.
Senior-Level	$39,000 - $45,000+	Site supervisor, training, client liaison, complex facilities.
Expert/Management	$48,000+	Operations manager, chief of security, corporate security roles.

Comparing to other Wisconsin cities, Racine’s cost of living is a significant advantage. While Milwaukee and Madison offer slightly higher median salaries (closer to $38,000), their rent and overall expenses are notably steeper. Racine provides a more affordable entry point, making that $35,597 go further than it would in a larger metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. Earning the median of $35,597 means your monthly take-home pay (after federal/state taxes and FICA) will be approximately $2,250 - $2,350, depending on your withholdings. In Racine, the average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $842/month. This leaves you with roughly $1,400 - $1,500 monthly for utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, 1BR Rent)

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$2,966
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$2,300
• Rent (1BR Average): $842
• Remaining for All Other Expenses: ~$1,458

The Cost of Living Index for Racine is 95.0 (US average = 100), which confirms it’s more affordable than the national average. However, on this salary, buying a home is a significant challenge. The median home price in Racine is around $180,000. With a $35,597 salary, qualifying for a mortgage would require a substantial down payment and excellent credit, and the monthly payment would likely consume over 40% of your take-home pay, which is not financially advisable. Renting is the more realistic and sustainable option for most security guards starting out here.

Where the Jobs Are: Racine's Major Employers

The security landscape in Racine is anchored by a mix of healthcare, education, industrial, and retail employers. As someone who follows local hiring trends, I’ve noticed that most positions are filled through large, national contract security firms that service these local clients. Direct-hire opportunities with the employers themselves are less common but do exist, often for senior roles.

1. Aurora Medical Center & Ascension Wisconsin: These major healthcare systems are the largest employers in the region. They require 24/7 security for patient safety, asset protection, and crowd control. Hiring is steady, especially for evening and weekend shifts. Insider Tip: Hospitals often seek candidates with de-escalation training and experience in high-stress environments.

2. SC Johnson: This global headquarters in Racine is a premier local employer. Their security needs encompass corporate security, executive protection, and secure facility access. They often hire directly for these roles, and they pay at the higher end of the scale. Insider Tip: Having a clean driving record and the ability to obtain a TWIC card (for port-related work) can be an advantage here.

3. Racine Unified School District: With a large student population, the district employs security officers and monitors for its schools. This is a daytime, school-year schedule, which is a plus for those with families. Hiring often peaks in late summer before the school year begins.

4. Mitchell International Airport (MKE) & Local Warehousing: While the airport is in Milwaukee County, it’s a major commuter hub for Racine residents. Security roles here are often with TSA contractors or private firms. Additionally, the Racine Inland Port and numerous logistics centers along I-94 (e.g., near the Mount Pleasant area) create demand for warehouse security, especially for overnight shifts.

5. Retail & Hospitality: Major employers like Festival Foods, Woodman’s, and hotels like the Racine Marriott or Clarion Inn require loss prevention and front desk security. These roles often involve a mix of customer service and surveillance.

6. Government & Municipal: The Racine County Courthouse, City Hall, and public facilities hire security staff, often through contracts with firms like G4S or Securitas. These are typically steady, government-paced jobs with good benefits.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. Most openings are for overnight shifts (10pm-6am) in industrial or healthcare settings. Weekday daytime shifts are more competitive. The 3% growth indicates that new openings will primarily come from replacing retirees or expanding existing contracts, not new businesses.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has clear, state-mandated requirements for security guards, and the process is straightforward. You cannot legally work as an armed guard without a separate, more intensive license.

For Unarmed Security Guards:

1. Training: You must complete a state-approved 16-hour training course. This covers laws, use of force, report writing, and emergency procedures. Local providers like the Wisconsin Security Association or technical colleges in the area offer these courses.
2. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal history check is required.
3. Cost: The course typically costs $150 - $250. The state application fee is $75. Plan for a total of $225 - $325 to get licensed.
4. Timeline: From starting the course to receiving your license, the process usually takes 4-6 weeks.

For Armed Security Guards:

• You must first be licensed as an unarmed guard.
• Complete an additional 12 hours of firearms training from a state-certified school.
• Pass a shooting qualification.
• The total additional cost is roughly $300 - $500, and the timeline extends by another 3-4 weeks.

Insider Tip: Many employers, especially in healthcare and government, will pay for your training if you commit to working for them for a certain period. Always ask during the interview process.

Best Neighborhoods for Security Guards

Where you live in Racine matters for your commute and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods, considering the typical $842/month average rent for a 1BR.

1. Downtown Racine: The urban core. You could walk to some jobs at the courthouse or city buildings. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $800 - $950. It’s lively, with access to the lakefront and restaurants, but parking can be a hassle. Best for those who want a vibrant, walkable area.

2. Mount Pleasant: A large suburb to the north. This is a hub for retail (Woodman’s) and industrial/logistics jobs along I-94. Commutes are easy via Highway 20. 1BR rents are very competitive, often $750 - $850. Ideal for those working in the northern industrial corridor.

3. North Bay / Caledonia: This area offers a quieter, more residential feel. It’s close to Mitchell Park and the lakefront. Commutes to hospitals or downtown are manageable via Highway 32. Rents for 1BR apartments are around $800 - $900. A good choice for those seeking a balance between city access and suburban calm.

4. Southeast Racine (Near 6th St & Washington Ave): This area is more affordable, with 1BR apartments often available for $700 - $800. It’s close to the Aurora Medical Center and has good bus lines. The neighborhood is transitioning, so research specific blocks. It’s a practical choice for budget-conscious individuals.

5. Sturtevant: Technically a separate village but part of the Racine metro. It’s strategically located near the Racine Inland Port and major highways. Commutes are super easy for industrial and warehouse security jobs. 1BR rents are in the $750 - $850 range. Perfect for those prioritizing a short commute to the logistics hubs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Security in Racine is a career of patience and specialization. The 3% job growth means you won’t see rapid promotions, but strategic moves can increase your earnings.

• Specialty Premiums: Moving into specialized fields can bump your pay by $2-$5/hour.

  • Armed Security: Adds a significant premium, especially for posts at banks, jewelry stores, or executive protection.
  • Healthcare Security: Requires de-escalation and trauma-informed training, commands a higher rate due to the complex environment.
  • Executive Protection: Requires advanced training and networking; opportunities are limited but lucrative.
  • Loss Prevention: Retail-focused, often with commission-based incentives for apprehensions.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Officer → Shift Supervisor: Manage a team, handle scheduling, and interface with the client. (+10-15% salary)
  2. Supervisor → Operations Manager: Oversee multiple sites, manage budgets, and handle client contracts. (Salary can reach $50k - $60k+)
  3. Corporate Security: Direct hire with companies like SC Johnson. This path offers the highest local ceiling, often requiring a degree or military/LE background.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% growth suggests a slow but steady market. The key to growth is certification and networking. Get your WI security license, then add certifications in CPR/AED, first aid, and if possible, the unarmed-to-armed transition. Build relationships with supervisors and clients. The best jobs in Racine are often filled by referrals from within the security community.

The Verdict: Is Racine Right for You?

Racine is a pragmatic choice for a security guard. It’s a working-class city with a strong industrial base, a major healthcare system, and a cost of living that allows a $35,597 salary to provide a decent standard of living. It’s not a place for rapid career acceleration, but it is a place to build a stable, honest career.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living (95.0 Index) means your salary stretches further.	Modest job growth (3%) limits rapid advancement.
Stable, Essential Employers (Healthcare, SCJ, Schools) provide consistent openings.	Pay is near the national average, but not significantly higher.
Affordable Rent (~$842/month) makes living alone feasible on a guard’s salary.	Limited specialty markets (e.g., few high-end corporate security roles).
Location with easy access to Milwaukee and Chicago for larger opportunities.	Weather can be harsh, affecting commutes and patrols (lake-effect snow).
Strong Union Presence in some sectors (e.g., public sector) can mean better benefits.	Competition for desirable daytime shifts can be high.

Final Recommendation: Racine is an excellent fit for security guards who value affordability and stability over high-octane career growth. If you’re willing to work overnight shifts, get licensed, and be patient, you can build a solid life here. It’s not the place to get rich in security, but it’s a place to work, live, and progress steadily.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a security guard in Racine?
A: Yes, absolutely. While some downtown jobs might be accessible by bus, most security posts (hospitals, warehouses, schools) are in areas with limited public transit. A reliable car is essential for commutes and shift changes, especially for overnight work.

Q: Are there many part-time security jobs in Racine?
A: Yes, there is a significant number of part-time positions, often for weekend shifts, event security (like at Festival Park), or school monitoring. This can be a good way to enter the field or supplement income, but most full-time roles are 40+ hours/week.

Q: Is the security market competitive?
A: For entry-level postings, there are always applicants. However, the market is stable, and turnover exists. Having a clean record, a valid license, and reliability (showing up on time) puts you ahead of the pack. Specialized skills (armed, healthcare) dramatically reduce competition.

Q: What are the biggest challenges for security guards in Racine?
A: The two biggest are the stability of the 3% growth rate (meaning promotions are slow) and the physical demands of Wisconsin winters. Overnight patrols in January are no joke—invest in quality winter gear. The other challenge is dealing with the public in a city with diverse socioeconomic areas, which requires strong de-escalation skills.

Q: Should I get an armed security license in Wisconsin?
A: It depends on your career goals. An armed license costs more and requires more training, but it opens doors to higher-paying posts (banks, executive protection). If you’re just starting, gain experience as an unarmed guard first. Many employers will help pay for your armed training once you’ve proven yourself.