Personal Care & Fitness Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median cosmetologist salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$31,572
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,508
Cost of Living
90%

Cosmetologist Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $19,800
25th Percentile $24,300
Median (50th) $31,572
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $52,200

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$36,834
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$30,870
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$30,870
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$30,169
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist in Grand Rapids earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $31,572. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Grand Rapids 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.