Personal Care & Fitness Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Cosmetologist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median cosmetologist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $51,217 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$51,217
vs State Avg
+$2,807
vs National
+$16,137
Cost of Living
146%

Cosmetologist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median cosmetologist salary of $51,217, which is $2,807 above the California state average of $48,410. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $51,217 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Los Angeles spans from $32,120 at the 10th percentile to $84,680 at the 90th percentile — a $52,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,040, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,300. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $35,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,040
+$11,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,560
+$16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,300
+$25,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $32,120
25th Percentile $39,420
Median (50th) $51,217
75th Percentile $67,160
90th Percentile $84,680

Cosmetologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$63,846
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$58,934
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$49,814
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$41,394
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Los Angeles

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Los Angeles, California is $51,217 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $32,120 (10th percentile) to $84,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,217, a cosmetologist in Los Angeles earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median cosmetologist salary of $51,217 is 5.8% above the California state average of $48,410. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $51,217 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Los Angeles 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.