Personal Care & Fitness Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Alaska

The median cosmetologist salary in Alaska is $43,499 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$43,499
vs National
+$8,419
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for cosmetologists seeking high pay. At $43,499 per year, cosmetologists in Alaska earn $8,419 more than the national median of $35,080.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $43,499 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $35,080.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $27,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $71,920 — a $44,640 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $47,358.

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for cosmetologists across the country.

Cosmetologist Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $29,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,200 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,640
+$8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,200
+$13,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $27,280
25th Percentile $33,480
Median (50th) $43,499
75th Percentile $57,040
90th Percentile $71,920

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Alaska

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Alaska

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Alaska? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Alaska is $43,499 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $27,280 (10th percentile) to $71,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $43,499, a cosmetologist in Alaska earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $29,760, while senior professionals earn $68,200.
How does Alaska compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Alaska's median of $43,499 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($48,410) and Massachusetts ($47,358).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Alaska earns approximately $29,760 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $44,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $68,200.
What city in Alaska pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $47,358. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.