Personal Care & Fitness Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Cosmetologist Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median cosmetologist salary in Portland, OR is $41,394 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$41,394
vs State Avg
+$2,806
vs National
+$6,314
Cost of Living
118%

Cosmetologist Pay in Portland: What to Expect (2026)

Portland offers a median cosmetologist salary of $41,394, which is $2,806 above the Oregon state average of $38,588. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $41,394 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Portland spans from $25,960 at the 10th percentile to $68,440 at the 90th percentile — a $42,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,320, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $64,900. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $28,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,320
+$4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,480
+$6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,900
+$9,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $25,960
25th Percentile $31,860
Median (50th) $41,394
75th Percentile $54,280
90th Percentile $68,440

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Oregon Cities

Hillsboro, OR
$39,290
Pop. 106,447
Gresham, OR
$37,886
Pop. 113,103
Eugene, OR
$36,834
Pop. 176,654
Salem, OR
$35,782
Pop. 175,535

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Portland

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Portland

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Portland, OR:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Portland

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Portland, OR? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Portland, Oregon is $41,394 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $25,960 (10th percentile) to $68,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Portland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,394, a cosmetologist in Portland earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Portland's median cosmetologist salary of $41,394 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $38,588. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $41,394 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Portland? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Portland 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.