Personal Care & Fitness Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Cosmetologist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median cosmetologist salary in Little Rock, AR is $30,520 per year, which is 13% below the national median and 3.6% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$30,520
vs State Avg
+$1,053
vs National
$-4,560
Cost of Living
87%

Cosmetologist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,520, which is $1,053 above the Arkansas state average of $29,467. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $30,520 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Little Rock spans from $19,140 at the 10th percentile to $50,460 at the 90th percentile — a $31,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,880, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,850. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,850 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,320
$-4,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,850
$-7,150 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $19,140
25th Percentile $23,490
Median (50th) $30,520
75th Percentile $40,020
90th Percentile $50,460

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$30,870
Pop. 93,949
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 Little Rock

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Little Rock, AR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $30,520 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,140 (10th percentile) to $50,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,520, a cosmetologist in Little Rock earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median cosmetologist salary of $30,520 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $29,467. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,520 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Little Rock? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Little Rock 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.