Personal Care & Fitness Wichita, KS Pop. 397,532

Cosmetologist Salary in Wichita, Kansas

The median cosmetologist salary in Wichita, KS is $29,818 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.3% below the Kansas state average.

City Median
$29,818
vs State Avg
$-702
vs National
$-5,262
Cost of Living
85%

Cosmetologist Pay in Wichita: What to Expect (2026)

Wichita offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,818, which is $702 below the Kansas state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Wichita pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Wichita's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $29,818 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Wichita an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Wichita spans from $18,700 at the 10th percentile to $49,300 at the 90th percentile — a $30,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,400, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,750. With a population of 397,532, Wichita is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Wichita by Experience

In Wichita, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,750
$-8,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wichita, KS

Percentile Wichita
10th Percentile $18,700
25th Percentile $22,950
Median (50th) $29,818
75th Percentile $39,100
90th Percentile $49,300

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
Topeka, KS
$29,116
Pop. 127,473

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Wichita

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Wichita 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 Wichita may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Wichita

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Wichita, KS:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Wichita

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Wichita, KS? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Wichita, Kansas is $29,818 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,700 (10th percentile) to $49,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Wichita? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,818, a cosmetologist in Wichita earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wichita compare to the Kansas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Wichita's median cosmetologist salary of $29,818 is 2.3% below the Kansas state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wichita, KS? ▼
Wichita has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $29,818 in Wichita has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Wichita? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Wichita 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.