Personal Care & Fitness Reno, NV Pop. 264,165

Cosmetologist Salary in Reno, Nevada

The median cosmetologist salary in Reno, NV is $36,483 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Nevada state average.

City Median
$36,483
vs State Avg
+$2,455
vs National
+$1,403
Cost of Living
104%

Cosmetologist Pay in Reno: What to Expect (2026)

Reno offers a median cosmetologist salary of $36,483, which is $2,455 above the Nevada state average of $34,028. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Reno pays above average for this role.

Reno's cost of living is 104% 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 Reno spans from $22,880 at the 10th percentile to $60,320 at the 90th percentile — a $37,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,960, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,200. With a population of 264,165, Reno is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Reno by Experience

In Reno, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,960
+$960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,440
+$1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,200
+$2,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reno, NV

Percentile Reno
10th Percentile $22,880
25th Percentile $28,080
Median (50th) $36,483
75th Percentile $47,840
90th Percentile $60,320

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Nevada Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Reno

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Reno

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Reno, NV:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Reno

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Reno, NV? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Reno, Nevada is $36,483 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,880 (10th percentile) to $60,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Reno? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,483, a cosmetologist in Reno earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reno compare to the Nevada state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Reno's median cosmetologist salary of $36,483 is 7.2% above the Nevada state average of $34,028. The local cost of living index is 104% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reno, NV? ▼
Reno has a cost of living index of 104% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $36,483 in Reno has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Reno? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Reno 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.