Personal Care & Fitness Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Cosmetologist Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median cosmetologist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$35,782
vs State Avg
+$2,105
vs National
+$702
Cost of Living
102%

Cosmetologist Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median cosmetologist salary of $35,782, which is $2,105 above the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $22,440 at the 10th percentile to $59,160 at the 90th percentile — a $36,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $24,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,100. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $24,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$36,720
+$720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,100
+$1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $22,440
25th Percentile $27,540
Median (50th) $35,782
75th Percentile $46,920
90th Percentile $59,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$32,975
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$32,624
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$30,870
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$29,467
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $35,782 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $22,440 (10th percentile) to $59,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $35,782, a cosmetologist in Philadelphia earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median cosmetologist salary of $35,782 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $35,782 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Philadelphia? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Philadelphia 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.