Personal Care & Fitness Lafayette, LA Pop. 121,374

Cosmetologist Salary in Lafayette, Louisiana

The median cosmetologist salary in Lafayette, LA is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 3.3% below the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
$-1,053
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

Cosmetologist Pay in Lafayette: What to Expect (2026)

Lafayette offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $1,053 below the Louisiana state average of $31,923. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Lafayette pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Lafayette's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Lafayette an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Lafayette spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. With a population of 121,374, Lafayette is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Lafayette by Experience

In Lafayette, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Lafayette, LA

Percentile Lafayette
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$34,378
Pop. 383,997
Baton Rouge, LA
$32,274
Pop. 227,470
Lake Charles, LA
$30,169
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$29,818
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Lafayette

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Lafayette

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Lafayette, LA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Lafayette

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Lafayette, LA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Lafayette, Louisiana is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Lafayette? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Lafayette earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Lafayette compare to the Louisiana state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Lafayette's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 3.3% below the Louisiana state average of $31,923. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Lafayette, LA? ▼
Lafayette has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Lafayette has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Lafayette? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Lafayette 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.