Software Developer in Kenosha, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Kenosha offers a compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratio for software developers, especially compared to the exploding costs in Milwaukee or Chicago. The key number to remember is the median salary of $124,625/year for software developers in the Kenosha metro area. That translates to an hourly rate of $59.92/hour. While you might see higher base salaries in major coastal hubs, the financial reality here is different. Kenosha's Cost of Living Index is 93.1 (US average is 100), meaning your paycheck stretches about 7% further than the national average. It's a significant buffer. The national average salary for software developers is $127,260/year, so Kenosha is competitive, sitting just slightly below the national mark but with drastically lower living expenses.

The job market is stable and growing. There are approximately 589 software developer jobs in the metro area (which includes Kenosha County and parts of Lake County, IL). The 10-year job growth is projected at 17%, which is robust and outpacing many older industrial towns. This isn't a boomtown; it's a steady, sustainable market with room for advancement.

Here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. Note that these are generalized ranges based on local market data and my observations.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Local Context
Entry-Level	$70,000 - $95,000	You'll often start in QA, support, or junior developer roles at larger local firms. A portfolio and internship are key here.
Mid-Level	$95,000 - $135,000	This is where most developers land. You'll have 3-7 years of experience and work on core product features. The median salary sits squarely in this range.
Senior-Level	$135,000 - $165,000	With 7+ years, you're leading projects, mentoring juniors, and making architectural decisions. You're a high-value asset in the local market.
Expert/Architect	$165,000+	These roles are less common but exist in specialized industries like automotive or medical devices. Often tied to principal engineer or CTO positions.

Comparison to Other Wisconsin Cities:

• Milwaukee: Salaries are higher, often $130,000 - $150,000 for mid-level, but the cost of living index is about 97. You'll likely pay more for rent and property. The commute from Kenosha to Milwaukee (I-94) can be 45-90 minutes, a significant trade-off.
• Madison: Home to Epic and a tech hub, salaries can be $135,000+ for mid-level, but the cost of living is higher (index ~102) and housing is very competitive. Madison has a younger, more tech-centric vibe.
• Green Bay: Salaries are lower, around $100,000 - $120,000 for mid-level, with a much lower cost of living (index ~89). It's a smaller, more traditional market.

Insider Tip: Remote work is changing the game. Several Kenosha developers I know work for companies based in Chicago or Madison, earning a higher salary (e.g., $140,000) while living in Kenosha. This hybrid approach maximizes income while minimizing expenses. The local internet infrastructure from providers like Spectrum and AT&T Fiber is generally reliable enough for remote work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. You're earning the median salary of $124,625/year. After federal, state (Wisconsin's progressive tax), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $7,000 - $7,400, depending on your withholding and deductions. Let's use a conservative estimate of $7,200/month.

The average 1-bedroom rent in Kenosha is $1,071/month. This is a huge advantage. Your rent is only about 15% of your take-home pay, well below the recommended 30% threshold.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single software developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$7,200	After taxes
Rent (1BR avg)	($1,071)	Could be higher in premium areas
Utilities (Elec/Heat/Internet)	($180)	Budget for older housing stock
Groceries & Dining	($600)	Local grocery chains (Pick 'n Save, Sendik's) are competitive
Transportation	($400)	Car payment/insurance, gas. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	($300)	Employer-subsidized premium
Retirement (401k match)	($500)	Aiming for 10-15% of gross
Entertainment/Savings	($4,149)	Remaining for discretionary spending, travel, aggressive savings.
Total	$7,200

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Kenosha County is around $300,000. With a 20% down payment ($60,000), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) might be around $1,800 - $2,000. Even at the higher end, that's under 30% of your gross income. For a developer earning the median, saving for a down payment is very achievable within 2-4 years with disciplined budgeting. The market is competitive but not insane like Madison or Chicago suburbs.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha's tech scene is anchored by manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with a growing SaaS and consulting presence. You won't find a Google office, but you will find stable, well-paying jobs.

1. Jockey International: Headquartered in Kenosha, this global apparel company has a significant IT department. They hire for software development (often Java, .NET), data analysts, and e-commerce specialists. Hiring trends show a steady need for developers to support their direct-to-consumer digital platforms.
2. Uline: The shipping supply giant has a massive distribution and office complex in Pleasant Prairie. Their IT department is large and hires for software developers, systems analysts, and database administrators. They use a range of technologies (Java, Python, SQL Server). They're known for a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
3. Aurora Health Care (now part of Advocate Health): The Kenosha hospital is a major employer. They need software developers for their EMR (Electronic Medical Record) systems, internal applications, and patient portals. Experience with healthcare IT standards (HIPAA) and languages like Java or C# is valuable. Hiring is steady due to ongoing digital transformation in healthcare.
4. S.C. Johnson & Son (Racine/Kenosha area): While their global HQ is in Racine, they have a significant presence in the area and often hire developers for their global supply chain, R&D, and business systems. They are a major player in the Southeast Wisconsin tech job market.
5. University of Wisconsin-Parkside: The university's IT department and its various research grants (often in environmental science or engineering) hire for software roles. These are often more research-oriented or focused on academic systems.
6. Local & Regional Consulting Firms: Firms like West Bend Mutual Insurance (headquartered in West Bend, about 45 min north) or local tech agencies often hire developers for contract work or full-time roles. These can be a great way to gain diverse experience.

Insider Tip: The biggest hiring trends are in full-stack web development (JavaScript/React/.NET or Java/Spring) and data engineering. Companies modernizing legacy systems (common in manufacturing) are actively hiring. Networking at local meetups (like the Kenosha Tech Meetup group) is crucial—many jobs are filled through referrals before they're ever posted online.

Getting Licensed in WI

This is one of the easiest parts of moving here as a software developer. The state of Wisconsin does not require a state license to practice as a software developer. The field is unlicensed, much like in most states. This removes a significant barrier and cost.

• Requirements: There are no state-specific certifications or exams. Your credibility comes from your education, portfolio, and work experience.
• Costs: The only relevant "cost" is any professional certifications you choose to pursue (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Scrum Master). These are optional but can boost your resume and earning potential. Exam fees typically range from $150-$400.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately. Your "license" is your resume and GitHub profile. If you're moving from out of state, you can update your driver's license and vehicle registration within 60 days of establishing residency.

Insider Tip: While not a state license, joining professional organizations like the Wisconsin Technology Association (WTA) or ACM can provide local networking opportunities and keep you informed on regional trends. It's a low-cost investment in your local career.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Kenosha is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different feel. Your choice depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown Kenosha: The heart of the city, near the lakefront and HarborMarket. Offers a walkable, urban vibe with restaurants, cafes, and historic buildings. Commute to most employers is easy (5-15 mins by car). Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR. Great for those who want a social life without a long commute.
2. Pleasant Prairie (North of Kenosha): Home to Uline and many corporate parks. It's more suburban, with newer housing and shopping centers (e.g., the Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets). Commute is very short if you work at Uline or other northside employers. Rent Estimate: $1,050 - $1,300 for a 1BR. Ideal for a quiet, family-friendly suburban life.
3. Somers (Western Kenosha County): A growing area with a mix of rural and suburban development. It's home to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and the Petrifying Springs Park. Commute to downtown or northside is 15-25 minutes. Rents are generally lower. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Good for nature lovers and those who want more space for their money.
4. Silver Lake/60th Street Area: An established, residential neighborhood with older, well-maintained homes. It's centrally located, offering easy access to I-94, downtown, and the northside. It's a popular area for young professionals and families. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR. A solid all-around choice.
5. Twin Lakes/Randall (West of Kenosha): More of a small-town feel, with lake communities. Commute to Kenosha proper is 20-30 minutes. It's peaceful and scenic, but you'll drive more for amenities and work. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Best for those seeking a quiet, lake-oriented lifestyle.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-94 isn't terrible by big-city standards, but it can get congested during rush hours. If you work on the northside (Pleasant Prairie), living in the north part of the city or Pleasant Prairie itself saves you a lot of commute time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Kenosha, career growth is more about specialization and strategic moves than rapid, title-based promotions.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with expertise in cloud architecture (AWS/Azure), data science (Python, R, SQL), and cybersecurity command salaries well above the median. These skills are in high demand as local companies migrate to the cloud and need better data insights. A senior developer with cloud expertise can easily push into the $160,000+ range, even in a local market.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Junior → Mid → Senior → Architect/Principal Engineer. Some developers move into Technical Management (Engineering Manager, Director of IT) or Product Management, leveraging their technical knowledge. Entrepreneurs sometimes launch their own small consulting firms or SaaS products serving local industries (e.g., custom manufacturing software).
• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% job growth signal is positive. Kenosha's location between Milwaukee and Chicago will continue to attract companies looking for a lower-cost base. The push toward digital transformation in manufacturing and healthcare will sustain demand. The biggest risk is economic downturns affecting manufacturing, but the growing service and healthcare sectors provide a buffer. For a developer willing to adapt and learn, the long-term outlook is secure and offers a comfortable lifestyle.

Insider Tip: The "long game" here often involves building a strong local reputation. Being known as a reliable, skilled developer in the small Kenosha tech community can lead to lucrative consulting opportunities and leadership roles without ever leaving the city.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Kenosha isn't a flashy tech hub, but for a software developer seeking a high quality of life, financial stability, and a manageable pace, it's a fantastic choice. It's a city where you can build a meaningful career without the constant financial pressure of a major metropolis.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $124,625 goes very far here.	Limited "Silicon Valley" Vibe: Fewer startups and tech events than Madison or Milwaukee.
Affordable Housing: Median home prices are within reach; rent is low.	Smaller Job Market: Fewer total openings (589) means less choice; you must be strategic.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Milwaukee and Chicago for bigger opportunities or city fun.	Car Dependency: Public transit is limited; you'll need a reliable vehicle.
Stable, Growing Market: 17% growth is solid, with diverse employers.	Slower Pace: Might feel sleepy if you're used to a 24/7 city.
Great Quality of Life: Lake Michigan access, parks, good schools, lower stress.	Less Networking Density: You have to work harder to find your tech tribe.

Final Recommendation:
Kenosha is right for you if you value a balanced life, want to afford a home comfortably, and don't need a constant buzz of tech conferences and parties. It's ideal for mid-career developers looking to own property and raise a family, or for senior developers who can command a high salary and enjoy a quieter lifestyle.

It might not be for you if you're a fresh graduate seeking a hyper-competitive, fast-paced environment, or if you prioritize being surrounded by thousands of other tech workers daily. For those people, Madison or Milwaukee would be a better fit.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a job if I'm moving from out of state?
Yes, but it requires effort. The local market is stable but not huge. Start applying 2-3 months before your move. Highlight any experience with industries prevalent here (manufacturing, healthcare, logistics). Be prepared to explain why you're moving to Kenosha—employers want candidates who will stay. Networking online with local groups is a huge advantage.

2. What are the main technologies in demand locally?
You'll see the most openings for full-stack developers with Java/Spring Boot or .NET/C# on the backend and JavaScript (React, Angular, Vue) on the front end. Python for data and automation is growing fast. Experience with SQL (especially SQL Server) is almost always a requirement. Don't overlook legacy systems; many companies need developers to modernize older applications.

3. How is the work-life balance?
Generally very good. The culture at most local employers is more traditional than on the coasts. 40-45 hour weeks are common. While there are high-pressure periods, the overall pace is sustainable. The easy commute and affordable housing reduce daily stress, leaving more time for hobbies, family, and enjoying the lake.

4. What about remote work opportunities?
This is a game-changer. Many developers in Kenosha work remotely for companies in Chicago, Milwaukee, or even the coasts. The local internet infrastructure is solid enough for full-time remote work. If you're considering Kenosha, you can target remote-first companies to maximize your salary while minimizing your cost of living. Just ensure you have a reliable high-speed internet connection, which is widely available.

5. Is the tech community active?
It's smaller but present. There are active LinkedIn groups for Wisconsin software developers. Meetups can be sporadic, but attending events in Milwaukee (about an hour away) is common and worthwhile. The community is welcoming and tight-knit; making connections can happen at local coffee shops or through professional associations. It's not a massive scene, but it's supportive.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, MIT Living Wage Calculator for cost of living data, U.S. Census Bureau for metro population, Zillow and Rent.com for local housing data, and Wisconsin Department of Revenue for tax guidance.