Personal Care & Fitness Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

Cosmetologist Salary in Austin, Texas

The median cosmetologist salary in Austin, TX is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$36,834
vs State Avg
+$4,560
vs National
+$1,754
Cost of Living
105%

Cosmetologist Pay in Austin: What to Expect (2026)

Austin offers a median cosmetologist salary of $36,834, which is $4,560 above the Texas state average of $32,274. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $23,100 at the 10th percentile to $60,900 at the 90th percentile — a $37,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $25,200, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $57,750. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $25,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$25,200
+$1,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$37,800
+$1,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,750
+$2,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $23,100
25th Percentile $28,350
Median (50th) $36,834
75th Percentile $48,300
90th Percentile $60,900

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Austin

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Austin

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Austin, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Austin

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Austin, Texas is $36,834 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $23,100 (10th percentile) to $60,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $36,834, a cosmetologist in Austin earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Austin's median cosmetologist salary of $36,834 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $32,274. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $36,834 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Austin? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Austin 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.