Personal Care & Fitness Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Cosmetologist Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median cosmetologist salary in Atlanta, GA is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$35,782
vs State Avg
+$3,158
vs National
+$702
Cost of Living
102%

Cosmetologist Pay in Atlanta: What to Expect (2026)

Atlanta offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,782, which is $3,158 above the Georgia state average of $32,624. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% 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 Atlanta spans from $22,440 at the 10th percentile to $59,160 at the 90th percentile — a $36,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,100. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $22,440
25th Percentile $27,540
Median (50th) $35,782
75th Percentile $46,920
90th Percentile $59,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Atlanta

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Atlanta, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,440 (10th percentile) to $59,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,782, a cosmetologist in Atlanta earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Atlanta's median cosmetologist salary of $35,782 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $32,624. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,782 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Atlanta? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Atlanta 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.