Personal Care & Fitness

Cosmetologist Salary

Cosmetologists provide beauty services including haircutting, coloring, skincare, and makeup application.

Median Salary
$35,080
Mean Salary
$38,200
Total Employed
680,000
Job Growth
+8%

Cosmetologist Salary by Experience Level

Entry-level cosmetologists earn around $24,000 per year, while mid-career professionals earn $36,000. Senior-level cosmetologists can earn $55,000 or more.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,000
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,000
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,000

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Salary Percentile Breakdown

The salary range for cosmetologists varies significantly. The bottom 10% earn $22,000, while the top 10% earn $58,000.

Percentile Annual Salary
10th Percentile $22,000
25th Percentile $27,000
50th Percentile (Median) $35,080
75th Percentile $46,000
90th Percentile $58,000

Cosmetologist Salary by State

Cosmetologist salaries vary significantly by state due to cost of living, demand, and industry concentration. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $59,636, while Mississippi offers the lowest at $29,116.

State Median
#1 Hawaii $59,636 Details →
#2 California $48,410 Details →
#3 Massachusetts $47,358 Details →
#4 Alaska $43,499 Details →
#5 New York $42,798 Details →
#6 New Jersey $40,342 Details →
#7 Washington $40,342 Details →
#8 Connecticut $39,290 Details →
#9 Maryland $38,588 Details →
#10 Oregon $38,588 Details →
#11 Colorado $36,834 Details →
#12 New Hampshire $36,834 Details →
#13 Rhode Island $36,834 Details →
#14 Virginia $36,483 Details →
#15 Delaware $35,431 Details →
#16 Vermont $35,431 Details →
#17 Florida $34,378 Details →
#18 Maine $34,378 Details →
#19 Arizona $34,028 Details →
#20 Minnesota $34,028 Details →
#21 Nevada $34,028 Details →
#22 Utah $34,028 Details →
#23 Pennsylvania $33,677 Details →
#24 Illinois $33,326 Details →
#25 Montana $33,326 Details →
#26 Idaho $32,975 Details →
#27 Georgia $32,624 Details →
#28 New Mexico $32,624 Details →
#29 North Carolina $32,274 Details →
#30 Texas $32,274 Details →
#31 Wisconsin $32,274 Details →
#32 Wyoming $32,274 Details →
#33 Louisiana $31,923 Details →
#34 Indiana $31,572 Details →
#35 Michigan $31,572 Details →
#36 Nebraska $31,572 Details →
#37 North Dakota $31,572 Details →
#38 Ohio $31,572 Details →
#39 Iowa $31,221 Details →
#40 South Carolina $31,221 Details →
#41 Tennessee $31,221 Details →
#42 Missouri $30,870 Details →
#43 South Dakota $30,870 Details →
#44 Alabama $30,520 Details →
#45 Kansas $30,520 Details →
#46 Kentucky $30,520 Details →
#47 Oklahoma $30,169 Details →
#48 Arkansas $29,467 Details →
#49 West Virginia $29,467 Details →
#50 Mississippi $29,116 Details →

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Key Responsibilities

  • ● Cut, color, and style hair
  • ● Perform skincare treatments
  • ● Recommend products
  • ● Maintain salon stations
  • ● Build clientele

Top Skills

Hair Styling Color Theory Skincare Makeup Application Client Relations Sanitation

Education Required

Postsecondary nondegree award

Job Outlook

Faster than average — projected 8% growth over the next decade

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetologist Salaries

How much does a Cosmetologist make per year? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in the United States is $35,080 per year. Entry-level positions start around $24,000, while senior-level professionals earn up to $55,000 annually. The mean (average) salary is $38,200.
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour? ▼
Based on the national median salary of $35,080 per year, a cosmetologist earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by experience, location, and employer.
What is the highest paying state for cosmetologists? ▼
Hawaii is the highest paying state for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $59,636. Other top-paying states include California ($48,410) and Massachusetts ($47,358).
What education do you need to become a cosmetologist? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. Relevant certifications and hands-on experience can also strengthen your qualifications.
What is the job outlook for cosmetologists? ▼
Employment for cosmetologists is projected to grow 8% over the next decade, which is faster than average. There are currently 680,000 cosmetologists employed in the United States.
How much does an entry-level cosmetologist make? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist with 0-2 years of experience earns around $24,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to approximately $36,000. The bottom 10% of earners make $22,000, while the top 10% earn $58,000.