Personal Care & Fitness Mississippi (MS) Rank #50 of 50

Cosmetologist Salary in Mississippi

The median cosmetologist salary in Mississippi is $29,116 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $35,080.

Median Salary
$29,116
vs National
$-5,964
State Rank
#50 of 50
Cost of Living
83%

Cosmetologist Salary Overview in Mississippi (2026)

Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for cosmetologist compensation. Cosmetologist salaries in Mississippi are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $29,116 per year, cosmetologists in Mississippi earn $5,964 less than the national median of $35,080.

A key advantage of working in Mississippi is its below-average cost of living (83% of the national index). This means the $29,116 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $35,080 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Mississippi is significant: cosmetologists at the 10th percentile earn $18,260, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $48,140 — a $29,880 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Mississippi for this role is Jackson, where the median reaches $29,818.

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 Mississippi by Experience

In Mississippi, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,650 per year. The cost of living index in Mississippi is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,920
$-4,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,880
$-6,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,650
$-9,350 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Mississippi

Percentile MS Salary
10th Percentile $18,260
25th Percentile $22,410
Median (50th) $29,116
75th Percentile $38,180
90th Percentile $48,140

Cosmetologist Salary by City in Mississippi

The largest employment areas for cosmetologists in Mississippi include Jackson, Gulfport, Southaven, and Hattiesburg. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Mississippi

Education

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

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook in Mississippi

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Mississippi

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Mississippi? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Mississippi is $29,116 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,260 (10th percentile) to $48,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Mississippi? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,116, a cosmetologist in Mississippi earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Mississippi a good state for cosmetologists? ▼
Mississippi ranks #50 out of 50 states for cosmetologist pay. The cost of living index is 83% of the national average. Entry-level cosmetologists earn $19,920, while senior professionals earn $45,650.
How does Mississippi compare to other states for cosmetologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for cosmetologists is Hawaii at $59,636. Mississippi's median of $29,116 ranks #50 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arkansas ($29,467) and West Virginia ($29,467).
What is the entry-level cosmetologist salary in Mississippi? ▼
An entry-level cosmetologist in Mississippi earns approximately $19,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $29,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $45,650.
What city in Mississippi pays cosmetologists the most? ▼
Jackson is the highest paying city in Mississippi for cosmetologists, with a median salary of $29,818. Other cities include Gulfport and Southaven.