Personal Care & Fitness Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Delaware

The median cosmetologist salary in Delaware is $35,431 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$35,431
vs National
+$351
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for cosmetologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $35,431 per year, cosmetologists in Delaware earn $351 more than the national median of $35,080.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning cosmetologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $22,220, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $58,580 — a $36,360 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $36,834.

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for cosmetologists across the country.

Cosmetologist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $55,550 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,240
+$240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,360
+$360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$55,550
+$550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $22,220
25th Percentile $27,270
Median (50th) $35,431
75th Percentile $46,460
90th Percentile $58,580

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Delaware

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Delaware? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Delaware is $35,431 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,220 (10th percentile) to $58,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,431, a cosmetologist in Delaware earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $24,240, while senior professionals earn $55,550.
How does Delaware compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Delaware's median of $35,431 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($36,834) and Virginia ($36,483).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Delaware earns approximately $24,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $36,360. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $55,550.
What city in Delaware pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $36,834. Other cities include Dover and Newark.