Personal Care & Fitness Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Cosmetologist Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median cosmetologist salary in Rochester, MN is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$34,378
vs State Avg
+$350
vs National
$-702
Cost of Living
98%

Cosmetologist Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median cosmetologist salary of $34,378, which is $350 above the Minnesota state average of $34,028. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% 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 Rochester spans from $21,560 at the 10th percentile to $56,840 at the 90th percentile — a $35,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,520, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,900. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,900
$-1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $21,560
25th Percentile $26,460
Median (50th) $34,378
75th Percentile $45,080
90th Percentile $56,840

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Rochester

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Rochester

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Rochester, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Rochester

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $21,560 (10th percentile) to $56,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,378, a cosmetologist in Rochester earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Rochester's median cosmetologist salary of $34,378 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $34,028. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $34,378 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Rochester? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Rochester 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.