Personal Care & Fitness Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Cosmetologist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median cosmetologist salary in Sacramento, CA is $41,394 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 14.5% below the California state average.

City Median
$41,394
vs State Avg
$-7,016
vs National
+$6,314
Cost of Living
118%

Cosmetologist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median cosmetologist salary of $41,394, which is $7,016 below the California state average of $48,410. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $41,394 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Sacramento spans from $25,960 at the 10th percentile to $68,440 at the 90th percentile — a $42,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,320, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,900. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $28,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,320
+$4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,900
+$9,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $25,960
25th Percentile $31,860
Median (50th) $41,394
75th Percentile $54,280
90th Percentile $68,440

Cosmetologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$63,846
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$58,934
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$51,217
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$49,814
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Sacramento

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Sacramento, California is $41,394 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $25,960 (10th percentile) to $68,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,394, a cosmetologist in Sacramento earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median cosmetologist salary of $41,394 is 14.5% below the California state average of $48,410. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $41,394 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Sacramento? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Sacramento 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.