Personal Care & Fitness Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Cosmetologist Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median cosmetologist salary in Missoula, MT is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$35,782
vs State Avg
+$2,456
vs National
+$702
Cost of Living
102%

Cosmetologist Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,782, which is $2,456 above the Montana state average of $33,326. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% 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 Missoula spans from $22,440 at the 10th percentile to $59,160 at the 90th percentile — a $36,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,100. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $22,440
25th Percentile $27,540
Median (50th) $35,782
75th Percentile $46,920
90th Percentile $59,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Missoula

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Missoula 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 Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Missoula

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Missoula, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Missoula

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Missoula, Montana is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,440 (10th percentile) to $59,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,782, a cosmetologist in Missoula earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Missoula's median cosmetologist salary of $35,782 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $33,326. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,782 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Missoula? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Missoula 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.