Cosmetologist in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Wisconsin employs 6,260 cosmetologists, with a statewide median of $36,230 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Cosmetologists Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $36,230 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $23,790
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $47,060
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $58,970
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 6,260
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $36,110 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for cosmetologists in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $46,310 (3,920 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $38,190 (2,070 employed)
- Madison
- $36,490 (890 employed)
- Appleton
- $36,260 (280 employed)
- Green Bay
- $35,490 (300 employed)
- Duluth
- $35,080 (270 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 $36,230 median stretches to roughly $38,502 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to shrink cosmetologists employment -4.8%, slower than the +5.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,300 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Cosmetologist license — regulated by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS).
- Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology 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. Broadest beauty license (hair, skin, nails); understand booth-rental vs. commission economics before committing.
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: People who are creative, social, and want a licensed practice with real self-employment potential once they build a clientele.
Think twice if: Standing all day, chemical exposure, irregular booth-rental income, and state-mandated training hours of 1,000–1,600 sound like barriers.
Why it's resilient: Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
First Steps
Check your state's required hours, compare licensed school costs, and ask about job placement rates before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cosmetologists make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for cosmetologists in Wisconsin is $36,230 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $23,790, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $58,970. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin?
Cosmetologist license, overseen by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS). Complete about 1,800 hours at a licensed cosmetology school.
Is being a Cosmetologist a good career in Wisconsin?
Hair styling and cosmetology services are built on physical technique and personal client relationships — inherently local and human.
Which Wisconsin metros pay cosmetologists the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $46,310, followed by Milwaukee ($38,190), Madison ($36,490). 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 Cosmetologist in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Academy of Beauty Professionals, Advanced College of Cosmetology. Most cosmetologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Cosmetologist a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects cosmetologists employment to change -4.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,300 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 39-5012. 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.