Personal Care & Fitness Cincinnati, OH Pop. 309,317

Cosmetologist Salary in Cincinnati, Ohio

The median cosmetologist salary in Cincinnati, OH is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Ohio state average.

City Median
$31,572
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-3,508
Cost of Living
90%

Cosmetologist Pay in Cincinnati: What to Expect (2026)

Cincinnati offers a median cosmetologist salary of $31,572, which is $0 above the Ohio state average of $31,572. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Cincinnati pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Cincinnati's cost of living is 90% 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 Cincinnati spans from $19,800 at the 10th percentile to $52,200 at the 90th percentile — a $32,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,600, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $49,500. With a population of 309,317, Cincinnati is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Cincinnati by Experience

In Cincinnati, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $49,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$49,500
$-5,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cincinnati, OH

Percentile Cincinnati
10th Percentile $19,800
25th Percentile $24,300
Median (50th) $31,572
75th Percentile $41,400
90th Percentile $52,200

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Ohio Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Cincinnati

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Cincinnati

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Cincinnati, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Cincinnati

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Cincinnati, Ohio is $31,572 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,800 (10th percentile) to $52,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Cincinnati? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $31,572, a cosmetologist in Cincinnati earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cincinnati compare to the Ohio state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Cincinnati's median cosmetologist salary of $31,572 is 0.0% above the Ohio state average of $31,572. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cincinnati, OH? ▼
Cincinnati has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $31,572 in Cincinnati has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Cincinnati? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Cincinnati 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.