Personal Care & Fitness Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Cosmetologist Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median cosmetologist salary in Chesapeake, VA is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$34,378
vs State Avg
$-2,105
vs National
$-702
Cost of Living
98%

Cosmetologist Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median cosmetologist salary of $34,378, which is $2,105 below the Virginia state average of $36,483. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $21,560 at the 10th percentile to $56,840 at the 90th percentile — a $35,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $23,520, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $53,900. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $23,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $53,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$23,520
$-480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$53,900
$-1,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $21,560
25th Percentile $26,460
Median (50th) $34,378
75th Percentile $45,080
90th Percentile $56,840

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$46,306
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$35,782
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$35,080
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$33,677
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $34,378 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $21,560 (10th percentile) to $56,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $34,378, a cosmetologist in Chesapeake earns approximately $17 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median cosmetologist salary of $34,378 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $36,483. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $34,378 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Chesapeake? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Chesapeake 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.