Personal Care & Fitness Waterbury, CT Pop. 114,403

Cosmetologist Salary in Waterbury, Connecticut

The median cosmetologist salary in Waterbury, CT is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 12.5% below the Connecticut state average.

City Median
$34,378
vs State Avg
$-4,912
vs National
$-702
Cost of Living
98%

Cosmetologist Pay in Waterbury: What to Expect (2026)

Waterbury offers a median cosmetologist salary of $34,378, which is $4,912 below the Connecticut state average of $39,290. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Waterbury pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Waterbury's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Waterbury spans from $21,560 at the 10th percentile to $56,840 at the 90th percentile — a $35,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,520, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,900. With a population of 114,403, Waterbury is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Waterbury by Experience

In Waterbury, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,900
$-1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waterbury, CT

Percentile Waterbury
10th Percentile $21,560
25th Percentile $26,460
Median (50th) $34,378
75th Percentile $45,080
90th Percentile $56,840

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Connecticut Cities

Stamford, CT
$48,410
Pop. 135,470
New Haven, CT
$38,588
Pop. 134,023
Bridgeport, CT
$37,886
Pop. 148,529
Hartford, CT
$36,834
Pop. 121,054

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Waterbury

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Waterbury

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Waterbury, CT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Waterbury

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Waterbury, CT? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Waterbury, Connecticut is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $21,560 (10th percentile) to $56,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Waterbury? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,378, a cosmetologist in Waterbury earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waterbury compare to the Connecticut state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Waterbury's median cosmetologist salary of $34,378 is 12.5% below the Connecticut state average of $39,290. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waterbury, CT? ▼
Waterbury has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $34,378 in Waterbury has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Waterbury? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Waterbury 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.