Personal Care & Fitness Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Esthetician Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median esthetician salary in Milwaukee, WI is $35,144 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$35,144
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,056
Cost of Living
92%

Esthetician Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median esthetician salary of $35,144, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $35,144. Compared to the national median of $38,200, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for estheticians in Milwaukee spans from $22,080 at the 10th percentile to $59,800 at the 90th percentile — a $37,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,920, while senior estheticians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,040. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Esthetician Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level esthetician earns around $23,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,920
$-2,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,880
$-3,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $22,080
25th Percentile $27,600
Median (50th) $35,144
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $59,800

Esthetician Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$38,200
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$34,380
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$33,616
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$32,852
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Esthetician in Milwaukee

Education

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

Key Skills

SkincareFacial TreatmentsProduct KnowledgeClient ConsultationSanitationAnatomy

Job Outlook

Nationally, esthetician employment is projected to grow 17% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Esthetician Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open esthetician positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Esthetician Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Esthetician make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median esthetician salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $35,144 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $38,200. Salaries range from $22,080 (10th percentile) to $59,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Esthetician make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,144, a esthetician in Milwaukee earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for esthetician pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median esthetician salary of $35,144 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $35,144. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a esthetician salary of $35,144 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esthetician in Milwaukee? ▼
Most esthetician positions in Milwaukee require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Skincare, Facial Treatments, Product Knowledge, Client Consultation. The job market is projected to grow 17% nationally over the next decade.