Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Milwaukee, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI

Median annual salary $38,230 +8.5% vs national
Median hourly $18.38
10th percentile $23,740
90th percentile $58,750
Employed locally 2,040
National median $35,250

Compare Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary & buying power

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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
in
Milwaukee, WI
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $23,740
    25th
    $29,540
    50th (median)
    $38,230
    75th
    $46,070
    90th
    $58,750

    Milwaukee economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $76,404 2023 • Census ACS
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary vs area income 50% Median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary is 50% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $60,770
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $60,140
    Bellingham, WA $60,130
    Washington $58,920
    Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $58,800
    East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area $58,450

    Nearby metros — Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Kennewick-Richland, WA $47,420
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $46,090
    Lewiston-Auburn, ME $45,640
    Winchester, VA-WV $40,240
    Sheboygan, WI $39,150
    Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT $37,810

    Related occupations in Milwaukee, WI

    OccupationMedian salary
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $43,660
    Recreation Workers $34,100
    Animal Caretakers $30,490
    First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $45,750
    Childcare Workers $29,050
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $26,180

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make per hour in Milwaukee?

    The median hourly wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Milwaukee, WI is $18.38, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.66 or more per hour.

    Is Milwaukee above or below average for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salaries?

    The median Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in Milwaukee, WI is 8.5% above the national median of $35,250. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in Milwaukee?

    Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (10th percentile) earn around $23,740 per year in Milwaukee, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $29,540.