Personal Care & Fitness Florida (FL) Rank #17 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Florida

The median cosmetologist salary in Florida is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$34,378
vs National
$-702
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
98%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Florida (2026)

Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Florida falls in the middle of the pack for cosmetologist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $34,378 per year, cosmetologists in Florida earn $702 less than the national median of $35,080.

Florida's cost of living is near the national average at 98%, meaning cosmetologist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Florida is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $21,560, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $56,840 — a $35,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Florida for this role is Miami, where the median reaches $41,394.

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 Florida by Experience

In Florida, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,900 per year. The cost of living index in Florida 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

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Salary Percentiles in Florida

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

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Florida

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Florida include Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Jacksonville. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Florida

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Florida

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Florida

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Florida? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Florida 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 Florida? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,378, a cosmetologist in Florida earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Florida a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Florida ranks #17 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 98% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $23,520, while senior professionals earn $53,900.
How does Florida compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Florida's median of $34,378 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($35,431) and Vermont ($35,431).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Florida? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Florida earns approximately $23,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $35,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $53,900.
What city in Florida pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Miami is the highest paying city in Florida for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $41,394. Other cities include Orlando and Tampa.