Personal Care & Fitness Erie, PA Pop. 94,831

Cosmetologist Salary in Erie, Pennsylvania

The median cosmetologist salary in Erie, PA is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$29,467
vs State Avg
$-4,210
vs National
$-5,613
Cost of Living
84%

Cosmetologist Pay in Erie: What to Expect (2026)

Erie offers a median cosmetologist salary of $29,467, which is $4,210 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Erie pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Erie's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $29,467 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Erie an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Erie spans from $18,480 at the 10th percentile to $48,720 at the 90th percentile — a $30,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,160, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $46,200. Erie is a smaller market (pop. 94,831), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Erie by Experience

In Erie, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $46,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Erie, PA

Percentile Erie
10th Percentile $18,480
25th Percentile $22,680
Median (50th) $29,467
75th Percentile $38,640
90th Percentile $48,720

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA
$35,782
Pop. 1,603,797
Allentown, PA
$32,975
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$32,624
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$30,870
Pop. 95,112

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Erie

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Erie

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Erie, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Erie

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Erie, PA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Erie, Pennsylvania is $29,467 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,480 (10th percentile) to $48,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Erie? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $29,467, a cosmetologist in Erie earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Erie compare to the Pennsylvania state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Erie's median cosmetologist salary of $29,467 is 12.5% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA? ▼
Erie has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $29,467 in Erie has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Erie? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Erie 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.