Cosmetology Career Guide: Kenosha, WI

As a career analyst and a Kenosha local who’s watched the beauty industry evolve here from the days of downtown salon strip-malls to the modern med-spa boom, I can tell you this city offers a solid, if not spectacular, foundation for a cosmetology career. It’s not a high-flying metropolis like Milwaukee or Chicago, but it’s a stable, affordable market with a surprising depth of local employers. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground knowledge to help you decide if Kenosha is the right place to build your craft.

The Salary Picture: Where Kenosha Stands

Let’s cut right to the numbers. The cosmetology field in Kenosha is defined by modest but stable wages. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Kenosha metro area (which includes part of Lake County, IL), the median salary is $37,944 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.24. This is slightly below the national average of $38,370/year, but the cost of living here significantly offsets that difference.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Typical Role
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$28,000 - $32,000	$13.50 - $15.50	Assistant, Salon Apprentice
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$35,000 - $42,000	$16.80 - $20.20	Stylist, Nail Tech, Esthetician
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$42,000 - $55,000	$20.20 - $26.45	Master Stylist, Salon Manager
Expert/Salon Owner	$55,000+	$26.45+	Salon Owner, Educator, Med-Spa Partner

How does Kenosha compare to other Wisconsin cities?
Kenosha sits in the middle of the pack. It’s more affordable than Madison and Milwaukee, where median salaries might be slightly higher but are obliterated by higher rent and living costs. For example, a cosmetologist in Milwaukee might earn $39,500 on average, but with rent that’s often 25-30% higher. Green Bay and Appleton offer similar salary ranges to Kenosha with a comparable cost of living. The key differentiator here is Kenosha’s proximity to Chicago, which creates a secondary job market. Some Kenosha-based professionals occasionally pick up clientele or part-time work in northern Illinois, where service prices—and take-home pay—can be higher.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth projection for the metro area is 8%, which is about average for the country. This isn’t a boomtown market, but it’s not dying either. The growth is coming from two areas: the expansion of med-spas (which require licensed estheticians and cosmetologists for advanced services) and the steady demand for services in an aging population looking for gray coverage and skincare.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,944 is a gross figure. To understand the real financial picture, we need to factor in taxes and one of the biggest expenses: rent.

Annual Breakdown:

• Gross Salary: $37,944
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$6,500 - $7,500 (approx. 18-20% effective rate)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $30,444 - $31,444 per year, or $2,537 - $2,620 per month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $2,600 Take-Home):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,071	Citywide average. Can be lower ($850) or higher ($1,400+).
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, gas, water, trash.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Moderate budget for one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$300 - $500	Highly variable. Car is essential in Kenosha.
Phone/Internet	$100 - $150
Health Insurance	$150 - $250	If not offered by employer.
Misc./Personal	$200 - $300	Supplies, entertainment, etc.
Total Essentials	$2,271 - $2,871	Leaves little room for error or savings on this salary.

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single cosmetologist's salary, buying a home in Kenosha is a significant stretch, but not impossible with careful planning. The median home price in Kenosha is around $260,000. With a 3.5% down payment ($9,100), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,600 (including taxes and insurance). This would consume over 60% of the average take-home pay, which is not financially advisable. However, if you have a partner with a second income, or if you advance to a senior/master stylist earning $50,000+, homeownership becomes a realistic goal. Many local cosmetologists purchase homes in more affordable neighborhoods like Sheridan or in the nearby village of Pleasant Prairie.

Cost of Living Context: Kenosha’s cost of living is 96.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly cheaper than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing and transportation. This makes the $37,944 salary go further here than in a high-cost city.

Where the Jobs Are: Kenosha's Major Employers

Kenosha’s beauty industry isn’t dominated by a single large chain; it’s a mix of local family-owned salons, regional franchises, and the growing medical aesthetics sector. The Jobs in Metro: 196 figure from BLS indicates a competitive but active market. Here’s where the opportunities are:

1. Salon Studios (Topical) & The Salon Professional Academy: Located near the large retail corridors of 75th Street and 60th Street, these are hubs of activity. They offer booth rental and commission suites. Hiring is constant due to high turnover, but you need a built clientele. Hiring Trend: High demand for established stylists who can bring a book of business.

2. Serenity Salon & Spa (Downtown): A long-standing, upscale salon in the historic downtown district. They focus on higher-end services and have a loyal clientele. Hiring Trend: They value experience and specialization (e.g., certified colorists, lash artists). Hiring is more selective but offers stability.

3. European Wax Center (60th St): A national franchise with a strong local presence. They hire licensed estheticians and cosmetologists for waxing services. Hiring Trend: Very consistent hiring due to a structured training program and high client volume. Great for entry-level or those specializing in waxing.

4. Med-Spas (e.g., Revive Aesthetics & Wellness, Kenosha Dermatology): This is the growth sector. These facilities require WI-licensed estheticians and cosmetologists for services like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, lash extensions, and advanced skincare. Hiring Trend: Strong growth. Employers often prefer candidates with additional certifications (e.g., laser, advanced chemical peel). They offer higher hourly rates (often $22-$30/hr + commission) compared to traditional salons.

5. Great Clips & Supercuts (Multiple Locations): The reliable franchise employers. They offer steady hours, benefits, and a fast-paced environment. Hiring Trend: Constant need for stylists for walk-in traffic. Pay is often hourly plus commission, typically aligning with the $16-$19/hr range. Good for building speed and consistency.

6. Nail Salons (e.g., Luxe Nail Bar, Lee's Nails): Numerous independent and small-chain nail salons are always looking for licensed nail technicians. Hiring Trend: High demand. Many operate on a booth rental or commission model. This is a path to higher earnings if you can build a loyal clientele quickly.

Insider Tip: The best way to find a job in Kenosha is not just online applications. Walk into the salons you admire in the 60th Street corridor or downtown with a portfolio and a resume. The industry here still values personal connections. Attend local events like the Kenosha County Fair to network.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear licensing process through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). You must be licensed to practice.

Requirements:

1. Education: Complete a 1,500-hour cosmetology program at a state-licensed school. For esthetics, it's 450 hours; for nails, 300 hours. The Salon Professional Academy in Kenosha is a primary local option.
2. Examination: Pass both the written and practical exams from the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
3. Application: Submit an application to the DSPS with proof of education and exam results. The application fee is $82 (as of latest data).

Timeline & Costs:

• Schooling: 10-15 months for full-time cosmetology (esthetics/nails are shorter).
• Tuition: $15,000 - $20,000 for a full cosmetology program at a private school like Salon Professional Academy. Public technical colleges (like Gateway Technical College, which has a campus in Kenosha) can be cheaper but may have waitlists.
• Exams & Licensing: Approximately $250 for exam fees and licensing.
• Total Investment: Expect to invest $15,000 - $22,000 and 1-1.5 years to become licensed.

Renewal: Licenses renew every two years. You must complete 12 hours of continuing education during each renewal period, with specific requirements for safety and sanitation.

Best Neighborhoods for Cosmetologists

Where you live affects your commute, clientele access, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

• Downtown Historic District: Best for lifestyle and walkability. Charming, close to Lake Michigan, and home to upscale salons like Serenity. Rent for a 1BR is higher: $1,100 - $1,400. Ideal for a stylist who wants to be at the center of the city’s social scene and attract a professional clientele.
• 60th Street Corridor: The commercial heart. High visibility for salons, close to shopping, and a mix of housing (apartments and older homes). Commute to work is often 5-10 minutes. 1BR rent averages $950 - $1,200. Practical and convenient for the working cosmetologist.
• Sheridan Neighborhood: A quiet, residential area just west of I-94. Mostly single-family homes and duplexes. Very affordable rent (1BR can be found for $800 - $950). A 10-15 minute drive to most salons. Great for those seeking a lower cost of living and a residential feel.
• Pleasant Prairie (Village): Technically outside the city but part of the metro area. Safer, newer, with big-box shopping. Commute to Kenosha salons is 10-20 minutes. Rent is similar to Sheridan ($900 - $1,200). Popular with families and those who want a suburban community feel.
• University Neighborhood: Near Carthage College. More student-focused housing, but some quiet streets. Rent is moderate ($850 - $1,100). Could be a good spot if you want to tap into the college-age clientele for nails or hair.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in cosmetology in Kenosha is a marathon, not a sprint. Advancement is about specialization and building a loyal client base.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from specialization. A general stylist might earn $18/hr, but a certified color specialist (e.g., Redken, Wella) or a master stylist can command $22-$25/hr or higher commission. Lash artists and estheticians specializing in advanced treatments (microneedling, LED therapy) at med-spas can earn $25-$35/hr. A licensed cosmetologist with an instructor license can teach at beauty schools, often starting at $20-$25/hr.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Commission to Booth Rental: Move from a commission-based salon (where you take 40-50% of service cost) to renting a booth/suite (paying a flat weekly fee, keeping 100% of your earnings). This is the path to higher income but requires a solid clientele.
  2. Stylist to Manager/Salon Owner: A few local salons are owned by former stylists. This requires business acumen, not just technical skill. It’s a long-term goal.
  3. Traditional Salon to Med-Spa: The most lucrative shift. Requires additional training and certification in medical aesthetics, but offers higher, more stable pay and benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% growth will be filled by new graduates and those moving to the area. Your advantage will be your reputation. In 10 years, a well-established senior stylist in Kenosha could be earning $55,000+ with a strong client base, while a med-spa specialist could be pushing $65,000+. The key is continuous education to stay ahead of trends.

The Verdict: Is Kenosha Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $37,944 salary stretches further than in major metros.	Lower Median Salary: Earning potential is capped compared to Chicago or high-end vacation towns.
Stable Job Market: 196 jobs and 8% growth indicate steady, not volatile, demand.	Limited High-End Market: Fewer luxury salons/med-spas than in Milwaukee or Chicago.
Diverse Employers: Mix of salons, franchises, and growing med-spas.	Competition for Top Clients: The market is competitive; building a clientele takes time.
Proximity to Chicago: Potential for higher-paying side gigs or clientele.	Seasonal Fluctuations: Tourism slows in winter, which can affect walk-in traffic.
Community Feel: It’s easier to build a personal brand in a smaller city.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car for commuting and client meetings.

Final Recommendation: Kenosha is an excellent choice for a cosmetologist in the early to mid-career stage who values affordability and a stable, community-oriented market. It’s perfect for someone who wants to build a solid client base without the crushing pressure of a high-cost city. It’s less ideal for someone seeking the absolute highest earning potential or who wants to work exclusively in high-fashion, editorial, or luxury environments. If you’re willing to specialize, adapt to the med-spa trend, and build your reputation locally, you can build a fulfilling and financially sustainable career here.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for cosmetologists in Kenosha flooded with new graduates?
A: It’s competitive, but not flooded. The local beauty schools graduate a steady stream, but turnover in salons is high. There’s always a need for licensed professionals, especially during peak seasons (summer, holidays). Having a specialization (even a simple one like curly hair or gel manicures) makes you more hirable.

Q: Can I make a good living as a booth renter in Kenosha?
A: Yes, but it’s not immediate. After booth rental fees ($200-$400/week), insurance, and product costs, you need a consistent client base. Many booth renters in Kenosha earn $40,000 - $60,000 after a year or two of building. It’s a high-risk, high-reward path.

Q: Are there opportunities to work with bridal parties or for events?
A: Absolutely. Kenosha has a vibrant wedding industry, especially in the summer, with venues like the Kemper Center and the Brat Stop. Many cosmetologists build a side business in bridal hair and makeup. Networking with local wedding planners is key.

Q: Do I need a car to work as a cosmetologist in Kenosha?
A: Yes, effectively. While some downtown salons are accessible by bus, most salons are in strip malls on major roads (60th, 75th, Green Bay Rd.) with limited public transit. A car is essential for commuting and for any mobile services.

Q: What’s the best way to find a salon that fits my style?
A: Visit as a client first. Get a haircut or service at different salons to see the environment, listen to how stylists talk to clients, and check out the clientele.