Personal Care & Fitness Louisiana (LA) Rank #33 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Louisiana

The median cosmetologist salary in Louisiana is $31,923 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$31,923
vs National
$-3,157
State Rank
#33 of 50
Cost of Living
91%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Louisiana (2026)

Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Cosmetologist salaries in Louisiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $31,923 per year, cosmetologists in Louisiana earn $3,157 less than the national median of $35,080.

A key advantage of working in Louisiana is its below-average cost of living (91% of the national index). This means the $31,923 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $35,080 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Louisiana is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $20,020, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $52,780 — a $32,760 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Louisiana for this role is New Orleans, where the median reaches $34,378.

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for cosmetologists across the country.

Cosmetologist Salary in Louisiana by Experience

In Louisiana, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $50,050 per year. The cost of living index in Louisiana is 91% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,840
$-2,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,760
$-3,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$50,050
$-4,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Louisiana

Percentile LA Salary
10th Percentile $20,020
25th Percentile $24,570
Median (50th) $31,923
75th Percentile $41,860
90th Percentile $52,780

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Louisiana

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Louisiana include New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Louisiana

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Louisiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Louisiana

Nationally, cosmetologist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Louisiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Louisiana

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Louisiana? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Louisiana is $31,923 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,020 (10th percentile) to $52,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Louisiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,923, a cosmetologist in Louisiana earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Louisiana a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Louisiana ranks #33 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 91% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $21,840, while senior professionals earn $50,050.
How does Louisiana compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Louisiana's median of $31,923 ranks #33 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($32,274) and Wyoming ($32,274).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Louisiana? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Louisiana earns approximately $21,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $32,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $50,050.
What city in Louisiana pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
New Orleans is the highest paying city in Louisiana for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $34,378. Other cities include Baton Rouge and Shreveport.