Personal Care & Fitness Montgomery, AL Pop. 200,603

Cosmetologist Salary in Montgomery, Alabama

The median cosmetologist salary in Montgomery, AL is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 1.2% below the Alabama state average.

City Median
$30,169
vs State Avg
$-351
vs National
$-4,911
Cost of Living
86%

Cosmetologist Pay in Montgomery: What to Expect (2026)

Montgomery offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $351 below the Alabama state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Montgomery pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Montgomery's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Montgomery an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Montgomery spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. With a population of 200,603, Montgomery is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Montgomery by Experience

In Montgomery, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montgomery, AL

Percentile Montgomery
10th Percentile $18,920
25th Percentile $23,220
Median (50th) $30,169
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $49,880

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$32,274
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$31,572
Pop. 197,575
Tuscaloosa, AL
$30,870
Pop. 101,129
Mobile, AL
$29,818
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Montgomery

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Montgomery

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Montgomery, AL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Montgomery

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Montgomery, AL? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Montgomery, Alabama is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Montgomery? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Montgomery earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Montgomery compare to the Alabama state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Montgomery's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 1.2% below the Alabama state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Montgomery, AL? ▼
Montgomery has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Montgomery has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Montgomery? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Montgomery 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.