Personal Care & Fitness Reading, PA Pop. 95,112

Cosmetologist Salary in Reading, Pennsylvania

The median cosmetologist salary in Reading, PA is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$30,870
vs State Avg
$-2,807
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
88%

Cosmetologist Pay in Reading: What to Expect (2026)

Reading offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,870, which is $2,807 below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Reading pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Reading's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $30,870 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Reading an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Reading spans from $19,360 at the 10th percentile to $51,040 at the 90th percentile — a $31,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $21,120, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $48,400. Reading is a smaller market (pop. 95,112), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Reading by Experience

In Reading, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $21,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $48,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$21,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$48,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Reading, PA

Percentile Reading
10th Percentile $19,360
25th Percentile $23,760
Median (50th) $30,870
75th Percentile $40,480
90th Percentile $51,040

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
Erie, PA
$29,467
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Reading

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Reading

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Reading, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Reading

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Reading, PA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Reading, Pennsylvania is $30,870 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $19,360 (10th percentile) to $51,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Reading? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,870, a cosmetologist in Reading earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Reading compare to the Pennsylvania state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Reading's median cosmetologist salary of $30,870 is 8.3% below the Pennsylvania state average of $33,677. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Reading, PA? ▼
Reading has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,870 in Reading has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Reading? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Reading 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.