Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Madison, WI
In Madison, WI, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $31,620 at the median — $15.2 an hour. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $59K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 97.29), that's roughly $32,501 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,168/month — about 54.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $32K get you in Madison?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Madison, WI
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $32K.Top earners bring in $59K or more - a $36K spread from bottom to top.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59K | +67% | 7,410 |
| Hawaii | $52K | +48% | 1,000 |
| Vermont | $50K | +41% | 520 |
| South Dakota | $49K | +39% | 530 |
| Maine | $48K | +38% | 820 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +36% | 1,010 |
| Massachusetts | $48K | +35% | 9,210 |
| Alaska | $45K | +27% | 240 |
| New Jersey | $44K | +25% | 15,140 |
| Minnesota | $43K | +22% | 5,230 |
| New Hampshire | $42K | +19% | 1,550 |
| California | $39K | +12% | 21,510 |
| Nebraska | $39K | +11% | 1,950 |
| Montana | $38K | +8% | 600 |
| Iowa | $38K | +7% | 2,870 |
Track hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Madison numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in Madison, WI?
The median is $31,620 a year - that works out to about $15.2 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $22,750, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $59,230. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $32K enough to live in Madison?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,229/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,168/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 52.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary go in Madison?
Madison has a Regional Price Parity of 97.29 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary is worth about $32,501 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.