Personal Care & Fitness Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Cosmetologist Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median cosmetologist salary in Memphis, TN is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$30,169
vs State Avg
$-1,052
vs National
$-4,911
Cost of Living
86%

Cosmetologist Pay in Memphis: What to Expect (2026)

Memphis offers a median cosmetologist salary of $30,169, which is $1,052 below the Tennessee state average of $31,221. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $30,169 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Memphis spans from $18,920 at the 10th percentile to $49,880 at the 90th percentile — a $30,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $20,640, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $47,300. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $20,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $47,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$20,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$47,300
$-7,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $18,920
25th Percentile $23,220
Median (50th) $30,169
75th Percentile $39,560
90th Percentile $49,880

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$35,080
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$32,274
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$30,870
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$30,870
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Memphis

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Memphis

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Memphis, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Memphis

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $30,169 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,920 (10th percentile) to $49,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $30,169, a cosmetologist in Memphis earns approximately $15 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Memphis's median cosmetologist salary of $30,169 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $31,221. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $30,169 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Memphis? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Memphis 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.