Personal Care & Fitness Racine, WI Pop. 77,816

Cosmetologist Salary in Racine, Wisconsin

The median cosmetologist salary in Racine, WI is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$30,169
vs State Avg
$-2,105
vs National
$-4,911
Cost of Living
86%

Cosmetologist Pay in Racine: What to Expect (2026)

Racine offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $2,105 below the Wisconsin state average of $32,274. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Racine pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Racine's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Racine an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Racine spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. Racine is a smaller market (pop. 77,816), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Racine by Experience

In Racine, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Racine, WI

Percentile Racine
10th Percentile $18,920
25th Percentile $23,220
Median (50th) $30,169
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $49,880

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$35,080
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$32,274
Pop. 577,222
Kenosha, WI
$31,572
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$30,870
Pop. 107,395

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Racine

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Racine and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Racine may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Racine

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Racine, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Racine

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Racine, WI? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Racine, Wisconsin is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Racine? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Racine earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Racine compare to the Wisconsin state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Racine's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 6.5% below the Wisconsin state average of $32,274. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Racine, WI? ▼
Racine has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Racine has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Racine? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Racine require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.