Personal Care & Fitness Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

Cosmetologist Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median cosmetologist salary in Bellevue, WA is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$53,322
vs State Avg
+$12,980
vs National
+$18,242
Cost of Living
152%

Cosmetologist Pay in Bellevue: What to Expect (2026)

Bellevue offers a median cosmetologist salary of $53,322, which is $12,980 above the Washington state average of $40,342. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $53,322 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Bellevue spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $88,160 at the 90th percentile — a $54,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Cosmetologist Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
+$12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$18,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
+$28,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $53,322
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $88,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$51,918
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$38,588
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$35,782
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$32,274
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Bellevue

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Bellevue, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Bellevue

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Bellevue, Washington is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $88,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,322, a cosmetologist in Bellevue earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Bellevue's median cosmetologist salary of $53,322 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $40,342. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $53,322 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Bellevue? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Bellevue 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.