Cosmetologist in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.
Jobs (WI)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
route How to become a cosmetologist in Wisconsin
To become a licensed Cosmetologist in Wisconsin, you must complete an approved cosmetology program of at least 1,550 hours or a 4,000-hour apprenticeship, and hold a high school diploma or GED. You must then pass both the Wisconsin Cosmetology Theory and Practical Examinations, administered by Pearson VUE. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Reciprocity is available for out-of-state licensees with at least 4,000 hours of experience or by completing a one-hour laws and rules course, provided there's no disciplinary history.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
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 | 1550-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Experience | 4,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Wisconsin State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams ($391) |
| Application fee | $39 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 4.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Wisconsin offers endorsement, but additional training or examination may be required if out-of-state training is not equivalent.Reciprocal states: Wisconsin offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states who have at least 4,000 hours of licensed practical experience. Alternatively, applicants can complete a one-hour laws and rules course if they have a current license in good standing and no disciplinary history, replacing the previous 4,000-hour experience requirement. If the out-of-state training is not equivalent to Wisconsin's 1,550 hours, additional training or examination may be required. Wisconsin does not have direct reciprocity agreements with all states; a detailed comparison of requirements may be necessary. |
| Notes | Minimum age is 18 years old and requires a high school diploma or GED. An apprenticeship of at least 4,000 hours of theory and practical development is an alternative to the 1,550 school hours. One hour of continuing education must relate to cosmetology laws and three hours to infection control, safety, and sanitation. A background check may be required. |
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Wisconsin? See whether Wisconsin recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Cosmetologist license reciprocity guide.
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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