Personal Care & Fitness Arlington, VA Pop. 238,643

Cosmetologist Salary in Arlington, Virginia

The median cosmetologist salary in Arlington, VA is $46,306 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median and 26.9% above the Virginia state average.

City Median
$46,306
vs State Avg
+$9,823
vs National
+$11,226
Cost of Living
132%

Cosmetologist Pay in Arlington: What to Expect (2026)

Arlington offers a median cosmetologist salary of $46,306, which is $9,823 above the Virginia state average of $36,483. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Arlington pays above average for this role.

However, Arlington's cost of living index is 132%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $46,306 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Arlington should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Arlington spans from $29,040 at the 10th percentile to $76,560 at the 90th percentile — a $47,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $31,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,600. With a population of 238,643, Arlington is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Arlington by Experience

In Arlington, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,680
+$7,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
+$11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Arlington, VA

Percentile Arlington
10th Percentile $29,040
25th Percentile $35,640
Median (50th) $46,306
75th Percentile $60,720
90th Percentile $76,560

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach, VA
$35,782
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$35,080
Pop. 226,610
Chesapeake, VA
$34,378
Pop. 249,422
Norfolk, VA
$33,677
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Arlington

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Arlington

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Arlington, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Arlington

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Arlington, VA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Arlington, Virginia is $46,306 per year, which is 32.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $29,040 (10th percentile) to $76,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Arlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,306, a cosmetologist in Arlington earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Arlington compare to the Virginia state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Arlington's median cosmetologist salary of $46,306 is 26.9% above the Virginia state average of $36,483. The local cost of living index is 132% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Arlington, VA? ▼
Arlington has a cost of living index of 132% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $46,306 in Arlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Arlington? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Arlington 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.