Cosmetologist Salary in Great Falls, MT: $30,870 (2026)

Cosmetologist Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $2,456 below the Montana state average of $33,326. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls'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 Great Falls an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Great Falls 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. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, 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

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$19,360	$20,900	$22,000
25th Percentile	$23,760	$25,650	$27,000
Median (50th)	$30,870	$33,326	$35,080
75th Percentile	$40,480	$43,700	$46,000
90th Percentile	$51,040	$55,100	$58,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$19,360

25th Percentile

$23,760

Median (50th)

$30,870

75th Percentile

$40,480

90th Percentile

$51,040

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Great Falls

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median cosmetologist salary in Great Falls, Montana 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 Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Great Falls earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼

Great Falls's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $33,326. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Great Falls? ▼

Most cosmetologist positions in Great Falls 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.

Cosmetologist Salary in Great Falls, Montana