Cosmetologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $61,390 (2026)

Cosmetologist Pay in Honolulu: What to Expect (2026)

Honolulu offers a median cosmetologist salary of $61,390, which is $1,754 above the Hawaii state average of $59,636. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Honolulu pays above average for this role.

However, Honolulu's cost of living index is 175%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $61,390 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Honolulu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Honolulu spans from $38,500 at the 10th percentile to $101,500 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,250. With a population of 350,964, Honolulu is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Honolulu by Experience

In Honolulu, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,000

+$18,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,000

+$27,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$96,250

+$41,250 vs national

Percentile	Honolulu	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$38,500	$37,400	$22,000
25th Percentile	$47,250	$45,900	$27,000
Median (50th)	$61,390	$59,636	$35,080
75th Percentile	$80,500	$78,200	$46,000
90th Percentile	$101,500	$98,600	$58,000

Percentile

Honolulu

10th Percentile

$38,500

25th Percentile

$47,250

Median (50th)

$61,390

75th Percentile

$80,500

90th Percentile

$101,500

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Honolulu

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Honolulu

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Honolulu, HI? ▼

The median cosmetologist salary in Honolulu, Hawaii is $61,390 per year, which is 75.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $38,500 (10th percentile) to $101,500 (90th percentile).

How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Honolulu? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $61,390, a cosmetologist in Honolulu earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Honolulu compare to the Hawaii state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼

Honolulu's median cosmetologist salary of $61,390 is 2.9% above the Hawaii state average of $59,636. The local cost of living index is 175% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Honolulu, HI? ▼

Honolulu has a cost of living index of 175% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $61,390 in Honolulu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Honolulu? ▼

Most cosmetologist positions in Honolulu 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.

Cosmetologist Salary in Honolulu, Hawaii