Personal Care & Fitness Newark, NJ Pop. 311,549

Cosmetologist Salary in Newark, New Jersey

The median cosmetologist salary in Newark, NJ is $39,290 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 2.6% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$39,290
vs State Avg
$-1,052
vs National
+$4,210
Cost of Living
112%

Cosmetologist Pay in Newark: What to Expect (2026)

Newark offers a median cosmetologist salary of $39,290, which is $1,052 below the New Jersey state average of $40,342. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Newark pays above average for this role.

However, Newark's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $39,290 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Newark should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Newark spans from $24,640 at the 10th percentile to $64,960 at the 90th percentile — a $40,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $26,880, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,600. With a population of 311,549, Newark is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Newark by Experience

In Newark, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $26,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$26,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,600
+$6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Newark, NJ

Percentile Newark
10th Percentile $24,640
25th Percentile $30,240
Median (50th) $39,290
75th Percentile $51,520
90th Percentile $64,960

Cosmetologist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$44,902
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$40,342
Pop. 107,588
Elizabeth, NJ
$37,886
Pop. 137,298
Paterson, NJ
$36,834
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Newark

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Newark

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Newark, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Newark

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Newark, NJ? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Newark, New Jersey is $39,290 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $24,640 (10th percentile) to $64,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Newark? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $39,290, a cosmetologist in Newark earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Newark compare to the New Jersey state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Newark's median cosmetologist salary of $39,290 is 2.6% below the New Jersey state average of $40,342. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ? ▼
Newark has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $39,290 in Newark has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Newark? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Newark 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.