Personal Care & Fitness Sioux City, IA Pop. 85,797

Cosmetologist Salary in Sioux City, Iowa

The median cosmetologist salary in Sioux City, IA is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 5.6% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$29,467
vs State Avg
$-1,754
vs National
$-5,613
Cost of Living
84%

Cosmetologist Pay in Sioux City: What to Expect (2026)

Sioux City offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,467, which is $1,754 below the Iowa state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Sioux City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Sioux City's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $29,467 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Sioux City an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Sioux City spans from $18,480 at the 10th percentile to $48,720 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,160, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,200. Sioux City is a smaller market (pop. 85,797), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Sioux City by Experience

In Sioux City, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sioux City, IA

Percentile Sioux City
10th Percentile $18,480
25th Percentile $22,680
Median (50th) $29,467
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $48,720

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Iowa City, IA
$33,326
Pop. 74,828
Des Moines, IA
$32,274
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$30,870
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$30,169
Pop. 101,724

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Sioux City

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Sioux City

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Sioux City, IA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Sioux City

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Sioux City, IA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Sioux City, Iowa is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,480 (10th percentile) to $48,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Sioux City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,467, a cosmetologist in Sioux City earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sioux City compare to the Iowa state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Sioux City's median cosmetologist salary of $29,467 is 5.6% below the Iowa state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sioux City, IA? ▼
Sioux City has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $29,467 in Sioux City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Sioux City? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Sioux City 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.