Personal Care & Fitness Birmingham, AL Pop. 197,575

Cosmetologist Salary in Birmingham, Alabama

The median cosmetologist salary in Birmingham, AL is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 3.4% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$31,572
vs State Avg
+$1,052
vs National
$-3,508
Cost of Living
90%

Cosmetologist Pay in Birmingham: What to Expect (2026)

Birmingham offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $1,052 above the Alabama state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Birmingham pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Birmingham's cost of living is 90% 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 cosmetologists in Birmingham spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. With a population of 197,575, Birmingham is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Birmingham by Experience

In Birmingham, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Birmingham, AL

Percentile Birmingham
10th Percentile $19,800
25th Percentile $24,300
Median (50th) $31,572
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $52,200

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$32,274
Pop. 216,963
Tuscaloosa, AL
$30,870
Pop. 101,129
Montgomery, AL
$30,169
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$29,818
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Birmingham

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama 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 Birmingham may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Birmingham

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Birmingham, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Birmingham

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Birmingham, AL? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Birmingham, Alabama is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Birmingham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist in Birmingham earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Birmingham compare to the Alabama state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Birmingham's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 3.4% above the Alabama state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Birmingham, AL? ▼
Birmingham has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Birmingham has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Birmingham? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Birmingham 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.