Cosmetologist Salary in Mitchell, SD: $28,766 (2026)

Cosmetologist Pay in Mitchell: What to Expect (2026)

Mitchell offers a median cosmetologist salary of $28,766, which is $2,104 below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Mitchell pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Mitchell's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,766 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Mitchell an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Mitchell spans from $18,040 at the 10th percentile to $47,560 at the 90th percentile — a $29,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,100. Mitchell is a smaller market (pop. 15,660), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Mitchell by Experience

In Mitchell, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$19,680

$-4,320 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$29,520

$-6,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$45,100

$-9,900 vs national

Percentile	Mitchell	SD State	National
10th Percentile	$18,040	$19,360	$22,000
25th Percentile	$22,140	$23,760	$27,000
Median (50th)	$28,766	$30,870	$35,080
75th Percentile	$37,720	$40,480	$46,000
90th Percentile	$47,560	$51,040	$58,000

Percentile

Mitchell

10th Percentile

$18,040

25th Percentile

$22,140

Median (50th)

$28,766

75th Percentile

$37,720

90th Percentile

$47,560

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Mitchell

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Mitchell

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Mitchell, SD? ▼

The median cosmetologist salary in Mitchell, South Dakota is $28,766 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,040 (10th percentile) to $47,560 (90th percentile).

How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Mitchell? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $28,766, a cosmetologist in Mitchell earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Mitchell compare to the South Dakota state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼

Mitchell's median cosmetologist salary of $28,766 is 6.8% below the South Dakota state average of $30,870. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Mitchell, SD? ▼

Mitchell has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $28,766 in Mitchell has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Mitchell? ▼

Most cosmetologist positions in Mitchell 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.

Cosmetologist Salary in Mitchell, South Dakota