Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
- 1,550 education hours or 4,000 apprentice hours are required to become licensed.
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- 4 continuing education hours are required to renew your license.
- Average salary for cosmetology in Wisconsin is $28,970.
- There is a predicted 6% job increase between 2016 - 2026.
Are you looking for a career that offers room for professional growth, plenty of different work settings, and the chance to make a difference? Cosmetology is a field that does all of this and more. This field is growing across the country, making this a great time to finally take the plunge.
State License Requirements
Required to earn a cosmetology license
After finishing your training, you can contact the Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board to schedule your licensing exams. You have to pass both a practical exam and a written exam. In total, you must pay $391 in fees to get your license.
Education Details
Your clients deserve the best, and attending cosmetology school in Wisconsin can show you how to deliver the best every single time. Approved schools must provide you with at least 1550 hours of education. The majority of this is hands-on practice, but you do spend some time on cosmetology theory. Keep reading to learn more about topics that must be taught at Wisconsin cosmetology schools.
Topics at Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
- Hygiene and grooming
- Bacteriology, sanitation, and sterilization
- Hair cutting and hair tapering
- Razor cutting
- Hairstyling
- Curling
- Finger waving
- Roller setting
- Blowdrying
- Shampoos
- Scalp and hair treatments
- Hair analysis
- Hair straightening
- Hair relaxing
- Thermal hair straightening
- Blowouts
- Hair coloring and bleaching
- Cosmetology chemistry
- Shaving
- Beard and mustache shaping
- Produce use and knowledge
License Renewal
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Cosmetology license renewal in Wisconsin happens every two years in March of odd-numbered years. The cost is $82 to renew licenses, or an additional $25 if the license is renewed after March 31. Starting in 2015, Wisconsin voted to require the completion of continuing education credits. During each two-year renewal cycle, you must complete four hours of continuing education. One hour must focus on cosmetology laws and three hours must focus on safety, sanitation, and infection control.
Wisconsin Cosmetology Careers
Average yearly salary for cosmetology in Wisconsin
Currently, Wisconsin cosmetologists claim an average income of $28,970 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). Your income potential may vary, depending on the type of salon you work for, which part of Wisconsin you are in, and how many clients you have. Your client base is a significant part of this, since tips are often a big part of a cosmetologists income.
Starting a career in the cosmetology industry may offer you plenty of benefits. Licensed cosmetologists can work in salons, spas, beauty shops, and specialty shops. Salons are open a wide variety of hours, so you may be able to find an employer that fits your unique scheduling needs.
Contact the Wisconsin State Board of Cosmetology
- Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board PO Box 8935
- Email: Phone Number: 608-266-2112/877-617-1565
- Call: 1400 E. Washington Ave.
- Fax: Madison WI 53703
Fax Number: 608-261-7083 For cosmetologists in Wisconsin, personal grooming is tinged with some
Midwestern charm. Many find this to be a rewarding career path that ties
them into communities. Those that would be interested in this profession,
consult these organizations to find out more.
Wisconsin Cosmetology Examining Board
Professional Beauty Association
American Association of Cosmetology Schools
Find Other Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
Check out the Cosmetology schools other cities in Wisconsin have to offer.
You must attend school in the state you want to practice in. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited school. Click here to learn more about the requirements in your state.



327 East Saint Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202

2310 West Court Street
Janesville, WI 53548

Visions in Hair Design Institute of Cosmetology – Accredited
Milwaukee, WI 53210
House of Heavilin Beauty College-Academy of Beauty Professionals
Appleton, WI 54914
House of Heavilin Beauty College-Academy of Beauty Professionals
Green Bay, WI 54303