Personal Care & Fitness Topeka, KS Pop. 127,473

Cosmetologist Salary in Topeka, Kansas

The median cosmetologist salary in Topeka, KS is $29,116 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 4.6% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$29,116
vs State Avg
$-1,404
vs National
$-5,964
Cost of Living
83%

Cosmetologist Pay in Topeka: What to Expect (2026)

Topeka offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,116, which is $1,404 below the Kansas state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $29,116 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Topeka an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Topeka spans from $18,260 at the 10th percentile to $48,140 at the 90th percentile — a $29,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,920, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,650. With a population of 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,650
$-9,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Topeka, KS

Percentile Topeka
10th Percentile $18,260
25th Percentile $22,410
Median (50th) $29,116
75th Percentile $38,180
90th Percentile $48,140

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Kansas Cities

Overland Park, KS
$33,677
Pop. 197,238
Olathe, KS
$32,975
Pop. 141,290
Kansas City, KS
$30,870
Pop. 156,607
Wichita, KS
$29,818
Pop. 397,532

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Topeka

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Topeka

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Topeka, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Topeka

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Topeka, KS? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Topeka, Kansas is $29,116 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,260 (10th percentile) to $48,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Topeka? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,116, a cosmetologist in Topeka earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Topeka's median cosmetologist salary of $29,116 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼
Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $29,116 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Topeka? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Topeka 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.