Cosmetologist in Wisconsin

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

Median annual salary

$36,550

trending_up +3.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

6,460

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+5.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$430

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

10th percentile (entry) $22,750

25th percentile $29,190

50th (median) $36,550

75th percentile $45,890

90th (experienced) $55,070

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
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

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+5.6%

Faster than average

Annual openings

75,800

Nationwide per year

Total employment

575,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.68/1.00

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_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+5.6%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a cosmetologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

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

Wisconsin requires cosmetologists to complete the required education (1550-hour training program and High school diploma or GED), gain 4,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Wisconsin State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams, and submit your application ($39 fee).

Is a cosmetologist license required in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin mandates state licensure for cosmetologists. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees the process, which includes passing the Wisconsin State Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams.

How much do cosmetologists make in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin cosmetologists bring home a median salary of $36,550. — within a few percent of the $35,250 national figure. New cosmetologists start around $22,750; seasoned professionals can reach $55,070.

What are the fees to become a cosmetologist in Wisconsin? expand_more

Between exam fee ($391) and application fee ($39), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

What are the continuing education requirements for cosmetologists in Wisconsin? expand_more

To keep your license active, Wisconsin mandates 4.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.