Personal Care & Fitness Huntington, WV Pop. 46,842

Cosmetologist Salary in Huntington, West Virginia

The median cosmetologist salary in Huntington, WV is $28,766 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 2.4% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$28,766
vs State Avg
$-701
vs National
$-6,314
Cost of Living
82%

Cosmetologist Pay in Huntington: What to Expect (2026)

Huntington offers a median cosmetologist salary of $28,766, which is $701 below the West Virginia state average of $29,467. Compared to the national median of $35,080, Huntington pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Huntington's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $28,766 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $35,080 in an average-cost city. This makes Huntington an attractive option for cosmetologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Huntington spans from $18,040 at the 10th percentile to $47,560 at the 90th percentile — a $29,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $19,680, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $45,100. Huntington is a smaller market (pop. 46,842), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Huntington by Experience

In Huntington, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $19,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $45,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$19,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$29,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$45,100
$-9,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Huntington, WV

Percentile Huntington
10th Percentile $18,040
25th Percentile $22,140
Median (50th) $28,766
75th Percentile $37,720
90th Percentile $47,560

Cosmetologist Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$31,572
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$30,870
Pop. 48,006
Parkersburg, WV
$28,064
Pop. 29,675
Wheeling, WV
$27,362
Pop. 26,711

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Huntington

Education

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

Find Cosmetologist Jobs in Huntington

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Huntington, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Huntington

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Huntington, WV? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Huntington, West Virginia is $28,766 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $18,040 (10th percentile) to $47,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Huntington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $28,766, a cosmetologist in Huntington earns approximately $14 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Huntington compare to the West Virginia state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Huntington's median cosmetologist salary of $28,766 is 2.4% below the West Virginia state average of $29,467. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Huntington, WV? ▼
Huntington has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a cosmetologist salary of $28,766 in Huntington has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Huntington? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Huntington 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.