Personal Care & Fitness Providence, RI Pop. 190,934

Cosmetologist Salary in Providence, Rhode Island

The median cosmetologist salary in Providence, RI is $37,886 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average.

City Median
$37,886
vs State Avg
+$1,052
vs National
+$2,806
Cost of Living
108%

Cosmetologist Pay in Providence: What to Expect (2026)

Providence offers a median cosmetologist salary of $37,886, which is $1,052 above the Rhode Island state average of $36,834. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Providence pays above average for this role.

Providence's cost of living is 108% 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 Providence spans from $23,760 at the 10th percentile to $62,640 at the 90th percentile — a $38,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,920, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $59,400. With a population of 190,934, Providence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Providence by Experience

In Providence, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,920
+$1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$38,880
+$2,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Providence, RI

Percentile Providence
10th Percentile $23,760
25th Percentile $29,160
Median (50th) $37,886
75th Percentile $49,680
90th Percentile $62,640

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Rhode Island Cities

Warwick, RI
$35,782
Pop. 82,823
Cranston, RI
$35,080
Pop. 82,934
East Providence, RI
$34,378
Pop. 47,139
Pawtucket, RI
$33,677
Pop. 75,604

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Providence

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Providence

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Providence, RI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Providence

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Providence, RI? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Providence, Rhode Island is $37,886 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,760 (10th percentile) to $62,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Providence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $37,886, a cosmetologist in Providence earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Providence compare to the Rhode Island state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Providence's median cosmetologist salary of $37,886 is 2.9% above the Rhode Island state average of $36,834. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Providence, RI? ▼
Providence has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $37,886 in Providence has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Providence? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Providence 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.