Personal Care & Fitness Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Georgia

The median cosmetologist salary in Georgia is $32,624 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$32,624
vs National
$-2,456
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Cosmetologist salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $32,624 per year, cosmetologists in Georgia earn $2,456 less than the national median of $35,080.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $32,624 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $35,080 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $20,460, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $53,940 — a $33,480 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $35,782.

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 Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,150 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,320
$-1,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,480
$-2,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$51,150
$-3,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $20,460
25th Percentile $25,110
Median (50th) $32,624
75th Percentile $42,780
90th Percentile $53,940

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Georgia

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Georgia

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Georgia

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Georgia? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Georgia is $32,624 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,460 (10th percentile) to $53,940 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,624, a cosmetologist in Georgia earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $22,320, while senior professionals earn $51,150.
How does Georgia compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Georgia's median of $32,624 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($33,326) and Idaho ($32,975).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Georgia earns approximately $22,320 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $33,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $51,150.
What city in Georgia pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $35,782. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.