Personal Care & Fitness Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Cosmetologist Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median cosmetologist salary in Fayetteville, AR is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 4.8% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
+$1,403
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

Cosmetologist Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $1,403 above the Arkansas state average of $29,467. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Fayetteville spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$30,520
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$29,467
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$28,766
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$28,064
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Fayetteville

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Fayetteville, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Fayetteville earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 4.8% above the Arkansas state average of $29,467. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Fayetteville? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Fayetteville 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.