Personal Care & Fitness Albuquerque, NM Pop. 564,559

Cosmetologist Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico

The median cosmetologist salary in Albuquerque, NM is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 2.2% above the New Mexico state average.

City Median
$33,326
vs State Avg
+$702
vs National
$-1,754
Cost of Living
95%

Cosmetologist Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median cosmetologist salary of $33,326, which is $702 above the New Mexico state average of $32,624. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% 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 Albuquerque spans from $20,900 at the 10th percentile to $55,100 at the 90th percentile — a $34,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $22,800, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,250. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $22,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$22,800
$-1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,250
$-2,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Albuquerque, NM

Percentile Albuquerque
10th Percentile $20,900
25th Percentile $25,650
Median (50th) $33,326
75th Percentile $43,700
90th Percentile $55,100

Cosmetologist Salary in Other New Mexico Cities

Santa Fe, NM
$38,588
Pop. 87,505
Rio Rancho, NM
$32,274
Pop. 104,046
Las Cruces, NM
$30,870
Pop. 111,385
Roswell, NM
$28,766
Pop. 48,422

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Albuquerque

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Albuquerque

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Albuquerque, NM:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $33,326 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $20,900 (10th percentile) to $55,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,326, a cosmetologist in Albuquerque earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Albuquerque's median cosmetologist salary of $33,326 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $32,624. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼
Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $33,326 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Albuquerque? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Albuquerque 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.