Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
The number of cosmetology careers in Wisconsin is growing incredibly quickly, meaning now may be the best time to invest in your future by enrolling in cosmetology school.
Browse our directory of cosmetology schools in Wisconsin, or skip ahead to learn about the state's cosmetology licensing requirements and job outlook.
Browse All Cosmetology Schools in Wisconsin
For School Owners
Don't see your school listed? Want to discuss becoming a featured school in the directory? Contact us to learn more.
5655 South 27th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53221
327 East Saint Paul Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202
2310 West Court Street
Janesville, WI 53548
Paul Mitchell The School Milwaukee – Accredited
Wauwatosa, WI 53222
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
You must attend a school that meets any licensure requirements as defined by your state. Most states require that you graduate from an accredited or state-approved school.
Related Beauty Careers
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Learn more about other career options in the beauty industry. Related specializations include:
Find a Cosmetology School Near You
Check out the Cosmetology schools these cities in Wisconsin have to offer.
How to Become a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Cosmetology Careers At A Glance
- Training Hours: 1,550
- Apprenticeship Hours: 4,000
- Renewal Years: 2
- Continuing Education Requirements: 0 hours
- Median Wisconsin Cosmetologist Salary: $36,550
- Expected Cosmetology Growth Increase (2022-2032): 16%
If you want to earn a cosmetology license in Wisconsin, you must meet several requirements, including:
- Be at least 18 years old or have graduated from high school or the equivalent
- Have completed at least 1,550 training hours over at least 10 months in a state-approved school of cosmetology, OR have completed at least 4,000 training hours via an approved apprenticeship
- Pass theoretical and practical exams
- Apply for your license and pay the $11 fee
You may have to undergo medical and criminal history background checks during the licensing process. Having a criminal record does not automatically mean that your application will be turned down. However, you will likely be unable to get your license if you have been convicted of a felony while providing cosmetology services.
What to Expect From a Cosmetology Program in Wisconsin
Required to earn a cosmetology license
The first step toward gaining your Wisconsin cosmetology license is completing at least 1550 hours of training at an approved school. You'll cover a wide range of topics relevant to the job during your education, including hair cutting and styling, manicuring, and facials. You'll also learn about business topics such as marketing, finance, and safety practices.
Wisconsin has created a cosmetology curriculum with a minimum number of theoretical and practical hours for each required topic:
- Bacteriology, sterilization, and sanitation: 20 theory hours, 20 practical hours
- Chemical hair treatments; blowouts; relevant chemistry: 185 theory hours, 392 practical hours
- Hair, skin, scalp, and nail anatomy, physiology, and disorders: 50 theory hours, 0 practical hours
- Haircutting, tapering, and styling; shampooing; other non-chemical services; hair analysis; wigs, hairpieces, and wefts: 140 theory hours, 440 practical hours
- Hygiene, grooming, and personal development: 10 theory hours, 0 practical hours
- Individual student needs; industry trends; electives: 40 theory hours, 75 practical hours
- Laws, rules, professional ethics, and history of cosmetology: 18 theory hours, 0 practical hours
- Manicuring: 10 theory hours, 25 practical hours
- Product knowledge, use, and sales; customer consultation and preparation: 30 theory hours, 0 practical hours
- Shaving; mustache and beard services; hair removal; skincare services; makeup; eyelashes; light therapy; basic principles of electricity; introduction to electrology: 35 theory hours, 60 practical hours
That adds up to 538 theoretical and 1012 practical hours, which must be completed over a minimum of 10 months.
Can I Apprentice as a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin?
You can earn your cosmetology license in Wisconsin through a 4,000-hour apprenticeship. Like all apprenticeships, most of the work will be hands-on. However, Wisconsin requires apprentices to complete 288 hours of in-school theory training in addition to 3,712 hours of practical training under an approved employer. To apprentice, you must:
- Find an approved apprentice employer.
- Have that employer submit an apprentice application to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
- If approved, submit a credential notice, Apprentice Application form, and fee of $10 to the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
- Work only while your apprentice permit is active; it's valid for three years, but is renewable
Your practical training needs to last for at least 32 hours per week for two to four years. Like those who attend cosmetology school, you need to pass cosmetology exams and obtain a license before you can work as an independent professional.
How to Get Your Cosmetology License in Wisconsin
To get your Wisconsin cosmetology license, you need to meet age and academic requirements, complete training or an apprenticeship, pass practical and theory exams, and apply for and pay for your license.
Wisconsin Cosmetology License Exams
The state board's official exam partner, DL Roope, oversees cosmetology testing in Wisconsin. The state uses NIC cosmetology exams, which are common nationwide.
Wisconsin's written cosmetology exam is taken at an approved testing location, and you must arrive with ample time, permitted supplies, and no guests. It comprises 110 questions, 100 of which are weighted, and lasts 90 minutes. Anything that you learned in your cosmetology program or apprenticeship is fair game, with the test breaking down into the following general categories:
- Scientific Concepts: 30%
- Hair Care and Services: 40%
- Skin Care and Services: 15%
- Nail Care and Services: 15%
The written test also includes 10 state law questions. While other parts of the test may be available in languages other than English, the law questions are only in English.
For the practical exam, you need to bring your own kit that includes a mannequin head, a mannequin hand, a flat-bottomed bag for dirty items and trash, cleaning supplies, and any tools and products you'll need to complete the exam. (You can find a suggested supply list in the Candidate Information Bulletin.) The entirety of this test is only available in English, and it lasts four to five hours.
The test is divided into the following sections:
1. Work Area and Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (First Client): 15 minutes
2. Thermal Curling: 10 minutes
3. Haircutting: 30 minutes
4. Work Area and New Client Preparation, and Set Up of Supplies (Second Client): 15 minutes
5. Chemical Waving: 20 minutes
6. Predisposition Test and Strand Test with Simulated Product: 10 minutes
7. Highlighting with Foil, Virgin Application with Colored Simulated Product: 15 minutes
8. Hair Color Retouch with Colored Simulated Product: 10 minutes
9. Virgin Hair Relaxer Application with Colored Simulated Product: Untimed
10. Blood Exposure Procedure: 10 minutes
Though the language you can take the exams in varies by test and section, DL Roope must follow all ADA guidelines. However, if you have a disability that requires testing accommodations, you should reach out to the company as early as possible to ensure you get what you need.
Wisconsin Cosmetology Licensure Reciprocity
Wisconsin allows reciprocity/endorsement licensure with many other states, and the state maintains a list of states and licenses that the Board has determined are non-reciprocal. If your current location is not on this list, though, you still need to check with the Wisconsin Board to see the best way to become licensed in the state; there is no blanket guarantee that yours will be eligible.
To be eligible for a reciprocal license, applicants must hold a current, in-good-standing license in another state, pay the licensing fee, and complete an approved one-hour course on Wisconsin statutes and administrative code.
Military Reciprocity and Waivers for Wisconsin
If you're an active service member (or the spouse of an active service member) and your license expires while you're on active duty, the Wisconsin Act 210 allows you to extend your license by an extra 180 days from your date of discharge. Military members and spouses are also eligible to apply for a license without examination if they live in Wisconsin, apply for a reciprocal credential, pay the fee, and currently hold an appropriate license in another jurisdiction.
Cosmetology Specialties in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin cosmetology license will let you provide hair, skin, and nail care services…but what if you want to really narrow your focus? Perhaps a cosmetology specialty would be a better choice! While some beauty niches in the state require licensure, others don't. Here are a few popular specialties:
- Electrologist: 450 hours
- Esthetician: 450 hours
- Hair Braiding: No license required
- Manicurist: 300 hours
Cosmetology License Renewal in Wisconsin
License renewal period
Continuing education required
Cosmetologists in Wisconsin must renew their licenses by March 31st of every odd year—even if they got their license that same year. Each renewal costs $11, and if you apply late (but before five years have passed), the price increases to $36. Continuing education is not required (but always recommended!).
If you don't renew your license for five or more years, the Board can determine how and if you get your license. The Board might require you to demonstrate that you're up to date on health and safety issues related to cosmetology and to pass licensure exams. Things may get more complicated if you have active disciplinary requirements and your license has not been revoked or surrendered. You may still be able to have your license reinstated if you have completed all disciplinary requirements, can prove you've been rehabilitated or otherwise had a relevant change in circumstance, and/or have passed your exams, depending on what the Board decides is the right route for you.
Cosmetology Salary in Wisconsin and Projected Job Growth
Median yearly salary for cosmetology in Nebraska
According to CareerOneStop, the median annual wage earned by licensed cosmetologists in Wisconsin in 2024 was $36,550. Pay ranged from around $23,000 or less to $55,000 or more.
Future employment prospects are well above the nationwide expectation, with the number of cosmetology jobs projected to increase by 16% between 2022 and 2032.
The highest-paying metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas for cosmetologists in Wisconsin are:
| Area | 2024 Salary Range |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metro Area | $25,640–$82,500 (Median: $46,310) |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Metro Area | $26,740–$59,620 (Median: $38,190) |
| Sheboygan, WI Metro Area | $29,000–$66,580 (Median: $37,210) |
| Kenosha, WI Metro Area | $24,130–$60,700 (Median: $36,520) |
| Madison, WI Metro Area | $23,580–$48,680 (Median: $36,490) |
Source: CareerOneStop (2026)