Personal Care & Fitness Huntsville, AL Pop. 216,963

Cosmetologist Salary in Huntsville, Alabama

The median cosmetologist salary in Huntsville, AL is $32,274 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$32,274
vs State Avg
+$1,754
vs National
$-2,806
Cost of Living
92%

Cosmetologist Pay in Huntsville: What to Expect (2026)

Huntsville offers a median cosmetologist salary of $32,274, which is $1,754 above the Alabama state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Huntsville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Huntsville'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 cosmetologists in Huntsville spans from $20,240 at the 10th percentile to $53,360 at the 90th percentile — a $33,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,080, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,600. With a population of 216,963, Huntsville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Huntsville by Experience

In Huntsville, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Huntsville, AL

Percentile Huntsville
10th Percentile $20,240
25th Percentile $24,840
Median (50th) $32,274
75th Percentile $42,320
90th Percentile $53,360

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Birmingham, AL
$31,572
Pop. 197,575
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 Huntsville

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Huntsville 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 Huntsville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Huntsville

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Huntsville, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Huntsville

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Huntsville, AL? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Huntsville, Alabama is $32,274 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,240 (10th percentile) to $53,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Huntsville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,274, a cosmetologist in Huntsville earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Huntsville compare to the Alabama state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Huntsville's median cosmetologist salary of $32,274 is 5.7% above the Alabama state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Huntsville, AL? ▼
Huntsville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $32,274 in Huntsville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Huntsville? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Huntsville 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.