Personal Care & Fitness San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Cosmetologist Salary in San Francisco, California

The median cosmetologist salary in San Francisco, CA is $63,846 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$63,846
vs State Avg
+$15,436
vs National
+$28,766
Cost of Living
182%

Cosmetologist Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median cosmetologist salary of $63,846, which is $15,436 above the California state average of $48,410. Compared to the national median of $35,080, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $63,846 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in San Francisco spans from $40,040 at the 10th percentile to $105,560 at the 90th percentile — a $65,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,100. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $43,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,680
+$19,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,520
+$29,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$100,100
+$45,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $40,040
25th Percentile $49,140
Median (50th) $63,846
75th Percentile $83,720
90th Percentile $105,560

Cosmetologist Salary in Other California Cities

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
Sacramento, CA
$41,394
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Cosmetologist in San Francisco

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open cosmetologist positions in San Francisco, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Cosmetologist make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in San Francisco, California is $63,846 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $40,040 (10th percentile) to $105,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,846, a cosmetologist in San Francisco earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
San Francisco's median cosmetologist salary of $63,846 is 31.9% above the California state average of $48,410. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $63,846 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in San Francisco? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in San Francisco 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.