Esthetician in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Licensed local services
Wisconsin employs 1,190 estheticians, with a statewide median of $46,220 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Estheticians Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $46,220 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $22,830
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $59,660
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $65,590
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 1,190
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $41,010 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for estheticians in major Wisconsin markets:
- Appleton
- $48,270 (70 employed)
- Green Bay
- $47,740 (90 employed)
- Duluth
- $46,940 (40 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $44,270 (360 employed)
- Madison
- $37,720 (190 employed)
- Minneapolis
- $36,610 (730 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 $46,220 median stretches to roughly $49,118 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to shrink estheticians employment -1.8%, slower than the +6.7% projected nationally. The state expects about 260 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Aesthetician (Esthetician) license — regulated by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS).
- Complete at least 450 hours (in 11–30 weeks) under a cosmetology or aesthetics instructor.
- 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 uses the term 'aesthetician.' Medical-spa and dermatology-office roles tend to pay more than traditional spas.
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 enjoy beauty, wellness, and client relationships and want a licensed practice with a realistic path to self-employment.
Think twice if: Standing all day, irregular income as a booth renter, and licensing hours that vary wildly by state sound difficult.
Why it's resilient: Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
First Steps
Check your state's required training hours — they range from 260 to 1,500 hours — and find an accredited esthetics school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do estheticians make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for estheticians in Wisconsin is $46,220 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $22,830, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $65,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Esthetician in Wisconsin?
Aesthetician (Esthetician) license, overseen by the Wisconsin Barbering & Cosmetology Examining Board (DSPS). Complete at least 450 hours (in 11–30 weeks) under a cosmetology or aesthetics instructor.
Is being an Esthetician a good career in Wisconsin?
Skin care treatments require physical touch, client relationships, and licensed technique that cannot be replicated remotely.
Which Wisconsin metros pay estheticians the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Appleton leads at $48,270, followed by Green Bay ($47,740), Duluth ($46,940). 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 an Esthetician in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Academy of Beauty Professionals, Advanced College of Cosmetology. Most estheticians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Esthetician a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects estheticians employment to change -1.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 260 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 39-5094. 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.