Cosmetologist in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
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.
Cosmetologist Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 1550-hour training program and High school diploma or GED |
| Experience Required | 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
Cosmetologist Salary in Wisconsin
The median cosmetologist salary in Wisconsin is $36,550 per year, which is 3.7% above the national median of $35,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $22,750 |
| 25th | $29,190 |
| 50th (median) | $36,550 |
| 75th | $45,890 |
| 90th (experienced) | $55,070 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 6,460 cosmetologists.
Cosmetologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Cosmetologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.