Personal Care & Fitness Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Cosmetologist Salary in Houston, Texas

The median cosmetologist salary in Houston, TX is $33,677 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$33,677
vs State Avg
+$1,403
vs National
$-1,403
Cost of Living
96%

Cosmetologist Pay in Houston: What to Expect (2026)

Houston offers a median cosmetologist salary of $33,677, which is $1,403 above the Texas state average of $32,274. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $21,120 at the 10th percentile to $55,680 at the 90th percentile — a $34,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,040, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,800. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Cosmetologist Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,800
$-2,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

Percentile Houston
10th Percentile $21,120
25th Percentile $25,920
Median (50th) $33,677
75th Percentile $44,160
90th Percentile $55,680

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Texas Cities

Austin, TX
$36,834
Pop. 978,908
Dallas, TX
$35,080
Pop. 1,304,379
Fort Worth, TX
$32,274
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$30,870
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Houston

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Houston

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Houston, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Houston

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Houston, Texas is $33,677 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $21,120 (10th percentile) to $55,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $33,677, a cosmetologist in Houston earns approximately $16 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Houston's median cosmetologist salary of $33,677 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $32,274. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $33,677 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Houston? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Houston 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.