Personal Care & Fitness Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Cosmetologist Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median cosmetologist salary in Paterson, NJ is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.7% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$36,834
vs State Avg
$-3,508
vs National
+$1,754
Cost of Living
105%

Cosmetologist Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median cosmetologist salary of $36,834, which is $3,508 below the New Jersey state average of $40,342. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% 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 Paterson spans from $23,100 at the 10th percentile to $60,900 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,750. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
+$1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,750
+$2,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $23,100
25th Percentile $28,350
Median (50th) $36,834
75th Percentile $48,300
90th Percentile $60,900

Cosmetologist Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Paterson

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Paterson

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Paterson, NJ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Paterson

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,100 (10th percentile) to $60,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,834, a cosmetologist in Paterson earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Paterson's median cosmetologist salary of $36,834 is 8.7% below the New Jersey state average of $40,342. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $36,834 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Paterson? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Paterson 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.