Barber in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Licensed local services

Wisconsin employs 450 barbers, with a statewide median of $36,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.

What Barbers Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)

Wisconsin median pay: $36,540 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $30,530
Experienced (75th percentile): $58,190
Top earners (90th percentile): $61,200
Employed in Wisconsin: 450
U.S. median (for comparison): $18.73/hr (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for barbers in major Wisconsin markets:

Minneapolis: $39,000 (190 employed)
Milwaukee: $35,370 (200 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin

Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $36,540 median stretches to roughly $38,831 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)

Wisconsin is projected to shrink barbers employment -7.6%, slower than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements

Barber license — regulated by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS).

Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed barber school.
Pass the written and practical exams.
Apply to DSPS (Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board).

Official requirements: Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS) →

Training in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's 1,800-hour requirement is on the higher end — budget accordingly. Booth-rental economics vary by neighborhood; research chair rent before assuming take-home pay.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:

Academy of Beauty Professionals — Certificate
Advanced College of Cosmetology — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Social, detail-oriented people who want a portable service skill.

Think twice if: Standing all day, variable income, or constant customer interaction sounds exhausting.

Why it's resilient: Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

First Steps

Compare state barber-hour requirements and local school placement outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do barbers make in Wisconsin?

The median wage for barbers in Wisconsin is $36,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $30,530, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $61,200. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Barber in Wisconsin?

Barber license, overseen by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS). Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed barber school.

Is being a Barber a good career in Wisconsin?

Barbering is personal, local, licensed, tactile, and built on repeat trust.

Which Wisconsin metros pay barbers the most?

Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $39,000, followed by Milwaukee ($35,370). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Barber in Wisconsin?

Real Wisconsin options include Academy of Beauty Professionals, Advanced College of Cosmetology. Most barbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Barber a growing career in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin projects barbers employment to change -7.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 110 openings a year — a declining field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 39-5011. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.