Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Wisconsin (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Wisconsin, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Wisconsin Median
$36,230
per year
Hourly Rate
$17.42
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+1% vs US median
US median $35,790
State Rank
#19 of 50
6,260 employed here

How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in Wisconsin?

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists working in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $36,230 per year, or about $17.42 per hour. That is 1% above the national median of $35,790 for this occupation.

Within Wisconsin, entry-level pay starts around $23,790 while the top 10% make $58,970 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $29,470 and $47,060 a year.

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary range in Wisconsin

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$23,790$11.44
25th percentile (early career)$29,470$14.17
50th percentile (median)$36,230$17.42
75th percentile (experienced)$47,060$22.63
90th percentile (top earners)$58,970$28.35

How Wisconsin compares

Wisconsin ranks 19th out of 50 states and territories for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$59,510
2Oregon$57,580
3District of Columbia$54,570
4South Dakota$49,800
5Vermont$48,650

Working as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Wisconsin

Nationally, about 306,000 people work as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Wisconsin pay ($36,230) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in Wisconsin?
The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Wisconsin is $36,230 per year, or about $17.42 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $23,790 at the entry level to $58,970 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Wisconsin pay compare to the national average?
Wisconsin pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists about 1% more than the national median of $35,790. Wisconsin ranks 19th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Wisconsin a good state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?
Yes on pay — Wisconsin pays above the national median for this occupation, at $36,230 a year. About 6,260 Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are employed in Wisconsin. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Wisconsin?
The highest-paying occupations in Wisconsin include Cardiologist ($636,580), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($572,060), Anesthesiologist ($443,990), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.