Personal Care & Fitness Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Cosmetologist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median cosmetologist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $32,624 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$32,624
vs State Avg
+$1,052
vs National
$-2,456
Cost of Living
93%

Cosmetologist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median cosmetologist salary of $32,624, which is $1,052 above the Indiana state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $20,460 at the 10th percentile to $53,940 at the 90th percentile — a $33,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,320, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $51,150. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $51,150 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

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

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$36,834
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$29,818
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$29,467
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$29,116
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,624, a cosmetologist in Indianapolis earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median cosmetologist salary of $32,624 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $31,572. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $32,624 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Indianapolis 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.