Personal Care & Fitness Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

Cosmetologist Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median cosmetologist salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $28,064 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$28,064
vs State Avg
$-1,052
vs National
$-7,016
Cost of Living
80%

Cosmetologist Pay in Hattiesburg: What to Expect (2026)

Hattiesburg offers a median cosmetologist salary of $28,064, which is $1,052 below the Mississippi state average of $29,116. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $28,064 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Hattiesburg spans from $17,600 at the 10th percentile to $46,400 at the 90th percentile — a $28,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,200, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $44,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$44,000
$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $17,600
25th Percentile $21,600
Median (50th) $28,064
75th Percentile $36,800
90th Percentile $46,400

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$29,818
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$29,467
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$29,116
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$28,766
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $28,064 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $17,600 (10th percentile) to $46,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,064, a cosmetologist in Hattiesburg earns approximately $13 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median cosmetologist salary of $28,064 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $29,116. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $28,064 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Hattiesburg 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.