Find a Job You Really Want In
As stylists continue to play a pivotal role in the beauty and fashion industries, the demand for their expertise remains high across the United States. This profession isn’t limited to just a few states; stylists thrive in various regions, providing ample opportunities for those pursuing careers as stylists.
In our analysis at Zippia, we set out to identify the best states for stylists to work, taking into consideration job availability, salary potential, and overall career growth. With the evolving landscape of the labor market, including the rise of remote and hybrid work, we looked into the most favorable conditions for stylists across the country.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of states where stylists are likely to find rewarding job opportunities and competitive salaries throughout their careers.
This ranking highlights the states that offer the most favorable conditions for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, ensuring they can thrive in their careers.
Curious about how we determined these rankings? Read on for insights into our research methodology and a deeper dive into the top ten states for stylists.
If you’re looking for further information, check out the latest job trends here:
- These Are The 10 Best Cities For Stylists
- Best Companies To Work For In Seattle, WA
- These Are The 10 Companies That Are Hiring The Most In Seattle
How We Determined the Best States for Stylists
At Zippia, we engage with a diverse range of job seekers, and our research has shown that two primary factors influence job satisfaction:
- Job Availability
- Competitive Salaries
To identify the best states for stylists, we analyzed where job opportunities are abundant and how well stylists are compensated. Our criteria were informed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location Quotient: This indicates how common a job is in a specific state.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Entry-Level Salary.
- Average Salary for Experienced Professionals.
We standardized salary data relative to the cost of living in each state. For instance, while the average salary for stylists in California is $31,400, the Illinois average of $29,900 offers a more favorable cost of living.
To create a comprehensive ranking, we assigned scores to each state based on the criteria, with the overall Job Score determined by averaging these rankings. The state with the lowest score was recognized as the best for stylists in America.
Now, let’s explore what makes each of these states an excellent choice for stylists.
1. Washington
Total Jobs: 10,610
Average Annual Salary: $40,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $24,750
Average Experienced Salary: $64,250
Location Quotient: 1.25
2. Delaware
Total Jobs: 1,910
Average Annual Salary: $35,810
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,970
Average Experienced Salary: $61,460
Location Quotient: 1.64
3. Colorado
Total Jobs: 8,140
Average Annual Salary: $34,830
Average Entry Level Salary: $21,230
Average Experienced Salary: $59,690
Location Quotient: 1.19
4. Michigan
Total Jobs: 12,870
Average Annual Salary: $29,080
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,530
Average Experienced Salary: $47,030
Location Quotient: 1.14
5. Florida
Total Jobs: 26,800
Average Annual Salary: $31,530
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,320
Average Experienced Salary: $58,530
Location Quotient: 1.19
6. Illinois
Total Jobs: 15,790
Average Annual Salary: $29,900
Average Entry Level Salary: $18,270
Average Experienced Salary: $52,810
Location Quotient: 1.01
7. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 2,480
Average Annual Salary: $28,850
Average Entry Level Salary: $19,190
Average Experienced Salary: $47,140
Location Quotient: 0.97
8. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 9,950
Average Annual Salary: $30,690
Average Entry Level Salary: $20,850
Average Experienced Salary: $47,270
Location Quotient: 1.33
9. Missouri
Total Jobs: 7,030
Average Annual Salary: $28,620
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,530
Average Experienced Salary: $47,810
Location Quotient: 0.96
10. Idaho
Total Jobs: 1,430
Average Annual Salary: $31,090
Average Entry Level Salary: $17,400
Average Experienced Salary: $57,580
Location Quotient: 0.78
In Summary – The Best States for Stylists
If you’re embarking on a career as a stylist, consider prioritizing these states. They offer competitive salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and avenues for professional growth.
For those interested in the states with the least favorable conditions for stylists, here’s a quick look:
For further insights, explore:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Seattle
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Washington
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Washington
Detailed List Of The Best States For Stylists
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $40,910 |
| 2 | Delaware | $35,810 |
| 3 | Colorado | $34,830 |
| 4 | Michigan | $29,080 |
| 5 | Florida | $31,530 |
| 6 | Illinois | $29,900 |
| 7 | Nebraska | $28,850 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $30,690 |
| 9 | Missouri | $28,620 |
| 10 | Idaho | $31,090 |
| 11 | Tennessee | $28,300 |
| 12 | Arizona | $29,010 |
| 13 | Massachusetts | $42,260 |
| 14 | Virginia | $34,250 |
| 15 | Iowa | $28,360 |
| 16 | Ohio | $27,300 |
| 17 | Indiana | $27,460 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $30,000 |
| 19 | New Jersey | $37,230 |
| 20 | Wisconsin | $28,970 |
| 21 | Kentucky | $27,270 |
| 22 | South Dakota | $30,630 |
| 23 | Vermont | $35,700 |
| 24 | Kansas | $25,620 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $28,550 |
| 26 | Georgia | $26,960 |
| 27 | Mississippi | $25,800 |
| 28 | Texas | $25,520 |
| 29 | North Dakota | $28,240 |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $26,990 |
| 31 | Oklahoma | $25,180 |
| 32 | Utah | $26,370 |
| 33 | Connecticut | $34,140 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | $28,770 |
| 35 | Arkansas | $23,890 |
| 36 | West Virginia | $24,260 |
| 37 | Maine | $28,680 |
| 38 | Maryland | $30,590 |
| 39 | Alabama | $23,490 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $24,090 |
| 41 | Montana | $26,170 |
| 42 | New York | $30,920 |
| 43 | Rhode Island | $28,730 |
| 44 | Oregon | $28,050 |
| 45 | Louisiana | $22,990 |
| 46 | New Mexico | $23,370 |
| 47 | Alaska | $32,170 |
| 48 | Nevada | $23,420 |
| 49 | California | $31,400 |
| 50 | Hawaii | $34,300 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
