Barber in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$34,360

trending_down -11.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

350

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+4.1%

10-yr job growth

route How to become a barber in Wisconsin

To become a licensed Barber in Wisconsin, individuals must meet the requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. This typically involves completing a 1000-hour training program at an approved barber school or a 288-hour theoretical instruction and 1,712-hour practical apprenticeship. After completing the education prerequisite, applicants must pass the Wisconsin Barbering Examination, which includes both a theory and practical component. Wisconsin also offers licensure by endorsement for barbers licensed in other states, provided their qualifications are substantially similar and they complete a one-hour course on Wisconsin laws.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $29,010

25th percentile $29,510

50th (median) $34,360

75th percentile $47,260

90th (experienced) $49,190

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
State license	Required
Education	1000-hour training program OR 288 hours of theoretical instruction and 1,712 hours of practical training through an apprenticeship
Exam	Wisconsin Barbering Examination (Theory and Practical)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age of 18 years old, or high school diploma/GED equivalent. CE hours must include 1 hour of Wisconsin statutes and administrative code relating to barbering practice.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.1%

Faster than average

Annual openings

8,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

76,000

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.73/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a barber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a barber in Wisconsin? expand_more

To become a barber in Wisconsin, you need to complete the required education (1000-hour training program OR 288 hours of theoretical instruction and 1,712 hours of practical training through an apprenticeship), and pass the Wisconsin Barbering Examination (Theory and Practical).

Do I need a license to work as a barber in Wisconsin? expand_more

You cannot practice as a barber in Wisconsin without a state license from Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The required exam is the Wisconsin Barbering Examination (Theory and Practical).

What is the average barber salary in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin barbers bring home a median salary of $34,360. — 12% under the $38,960 national average. The range spans from $29,010 at the entry level to $49,190 for top earners.

How many CE hours do barbers need in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin requires 4.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your barber license.