Personal Care & Fitness Louisville, KY Pop. 633,045

Cosmetologist Salary in Louisville, Kentucky

The median cosmetologist salary in Louisville, KY is $32,274 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 5.7% above the Kentucky state average.

City Median
$32,274
vs State Avg
+$1,754
vs National
$-2,806
Cost of Living
92%

Cosmetologist Pay in Louisville: What to Expect (2026)

Louisville offers a median cosmetologist salary of $32,274, which is $1,754 above the Kentucky state average of $30,520. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Louisville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Louisville's cost of living is 92% 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 Louisville spans from $20,240 at the 10th percentile to $53,360 at the 90th percentile — a $33,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,080, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $50,600. As a major metro area with a population of 633,045, Louisville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Louisville by Experience

In Louisville, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Louisville, KY

Percentile Louisville
10th Percentile $20,240
25th Percentile $24,840
Median (50th) $32,274
75th Percentile $42,320
90th Percentile $53,360

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Kentucky Cities

Lexington, KY
$32,624
Pop. 322,570
Covington, KY
$30,870
Pop. 40,961
Bowling Green, KY
$29,467
Pop. 74,735
Owensboro, KY
$28,766
Pop. 60,183

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Louisville

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Louisville

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Louisville, KY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Louisville

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Louisville, KY? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Louisville, Kentucky is $32,274 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,240 (10th percentile) to $53,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Louisville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $32,274, a cosmetologist in Louisville earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Louisville compare to the Kentucky state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Louisville's median cosmetologist salary of $32,274 is 5.7% above the Kentucky state average of $30,520. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Louisville, KY? ▼
Louisville has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $32,274 in Louisville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Louisville? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Louisville 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.