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Hairstylist/cosmetologist salary
Average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary
$36,770
Understanding Hairstylist/Cosmetologist Salaries
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary is $36,770 per year or about $18 per hour as of October 2025. This figure can vary significantly based on several factors, including geographic location, years of experience, and the specific sector of employment. For instance, those working in high-end salons or specialized services often earn more than their counterparts in standard barbershops.
Salary Variations Across States
Salaries differ by state, with California and New York consistently ranking among the highest-paying locations for hairstylists and cosmetologists. In addition, metropolitan areas typically offer greater opportunities for higher earnings due to the demand for skilled hair professionals.
Job Opportunities and Growth
Hairstylists and cosmetologists can explore various avenues for career advancement, including becoming salon managers, educators, or even opening their own salons. The beauty industry is diverse, offering numerous opportunities for those looking to grow their careers. Networking and continuing education can further enhance job prospects and earning potential.
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Where can a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist earn more?
Average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary by state
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary in Washington, Montana, and North Dakota are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary states are Kentucky, Delaware, and Oklahoma.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for hairstylist/cosmetologists
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia | $45,681 | $21.96 |
| 2 | Wisconsin | $41,587 | $19.99 |
| 3 | Washington | $51,882 | $24.94 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $47,466 | $22.82 |
| 5 | Montana | $47,513 | $22.84 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $41,836 | $20.11 |
| 7 | Iowa | $39,156 | $18.82 |
| 8 | Michigan | $38,181 | $18.36 |
| 9 | Minnesota | $44,668 | $21.48 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $39,946 | $19.20 |
| 11 | Indiana | $38,108 | $18.32 |
| 12 | Wyoming | $40,604 | $19.52 |
| 13 | Vermont | $42,043 | $20.21 |
| 14 | Massachusetts | $41,946 | $20.17 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $42,010 | $20.20 |
| 16 | Ohio | $36,964 | $17.77 |
| 17 | Missouri | $37,916 | $18.23 |
| 18 | South Carolina | $37,919 | $18.23 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | $36,509 | $17.55 |
| 20 | Colorado | $39,547 | $19.01 |
| 21 | Utah | $37,061 | $17.82 |
| 22 | Arizona | $36,489 | $17.54 |
| 23 | Illinois | $38,566 | $18.54 |
| 24 | North Carolina | $37,734 | $18.14 |
| 25 | Rhode Island | $37,185 | $17.88 |
| 26 | Virginia | $40,148 | $19.30 |
| 27 | Tennessee | $34,050 | $16.37 |
| 28 | Oregon | $39,020 | $18.76 |
| 29 | Alaska | $41,885 | $20.14 |
| 30 | Maryland | $41,053 | $19.74 |
| 31 | Florida | $35,527 | $17.08 |
| 32 | Idaho | $37,165 | $17.87 |
| 33 | Connecticut | $36,946 | $17.76 |
| 34 | California | $39,795 | $19.13 |
| 35 | Alabama | $34,714 | $16.69 |
| 36 | New York | $38,963 | $18.73 |
| 37 | New Hampshire | $33,562 | $16.14 |
| 38 | Hawaii | $34,902 | $16.78 |
| 39 | Mississippi | $34,308 | $16.49 |
| 40 | Kentucky | $31,259 | $15.03 |
| 41 | District of Columbia | $38,972 | $18.74 |
| 42 | Oklahoma | $30,695 | $14.76 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $32,353 | $15.55 |
| 44 | Kansas | $32,025 | $15.40 |
| 45 | Nevada | $31,507 | $15.15 |
| 46 | Maine | $33,330 | $16.02 |
| 47 | Texas | $31,422 | $15.11 |
| 48 | Delaware | $31,046 | $14.93 |
| 49 | Arkansas | $28,069 | $13.49 |
| 50 | Georgia | $30,207 | $14.52 |
| 51 | New Mexico | $24,550 | $11.80 |
Highest paying cities for hairstylist/cosmetologists
The highest-paying cities for hairstylist/cosmetologists are San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, and New York, NY.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco, CA | $40,565 | $19.50 |
| 2 | Washington, DC | $39,002 | $18.75 |
| 3 | New York, NY | $38,935 | $18.72 |
| 4 | Chicago, IL | $38,609 | $18.56 |
| 5 | Carrollton, TX | $31,604 | $15.19 |
Hairstylist/cosmetologist salary details
A hairstylist/cosmetologist's salary ranges from $25,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $53,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a hairstylist/cosmetologist's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $53,000 | $4,417 | $25 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| Average | $36,770 | $3,064 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,000 | $2,500 | $14 |
| 10th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
Highest paying hairstylist/cosmetologist jobs
The highest paying types of hairstylist/cosmetologists are cosmetician, electrologist, and hair stylist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beautician | $36,831 | $3,069 | $17.71 | 42,691 |
| Stylist | $37,985 | $3,165 | $18.26 | 49,296 |
| Hair Dresser | $36,852 | $3,071 | $17.72 | 42,777 |
| Hair Stylist | $38,221 | $3,185 | $18.38 | 49,578 |
| Licensed Cosmetologist | $36,637 | $3,053 | $17.61 | 52,740 |
| Cosmetologist | $37,122 | $3,094 | $17.85 | 45,889 |
Top companies hiring hairstylist/cosmetologists now:
Which companies pay hairstylist/cosmetologists the most?
Hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries at Soothe and Kohler Co. are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary at companies like Sandia Resort & Casino and J. The Jewish News of Northern California are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soothe | $47,188 | $22.69 |
| 2 | Kohler Co. | $44,391 | $21.34 |
| 3 | Sandia Resort & Casino | $41,374 | $19.89 |
| 4 | J. The Jewish News of Northern California | $39,789 | $19.13 |
| 5 | Lotus | $38,454 | $18.49 |
| 6 | Salon & Spa | $35,898 | $17.26 |
| 7 | Sv | $31,955 | $15.36 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist salary by industry
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary varies across industries:
- The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary in the technology industry is $35,549, the highest of any industry.
- The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary in the finance industry is $34,843.
- Hairstylist/cosmetologists in the retail industry earn an average salary of $33,430, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for hairstylist/cosmetologists
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology | $35,549 | $17.09 |
| 2 | Professional | $34,843 | $16.75 |
| 3 | Hospitality | $34,814 | $16.74 |
| 4 | Retail | $33,430 | $16.07 |
High paying hairstylist/cosmetologist jobs
Hairstylist/cosmetologist salary trends
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary has risen by $6,459 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average hairstylist/cosmetologist earned $30,311 annually, but today, they earn $36,770 a year. That works out to a 13% change in pay for hairstylist/cosmetologists over the last decade.
Compare hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary over time
Compare hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Hairstylist/cosmetologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,800 | $17.68 | +4.7% |
| 2024 | $35,000 | $16.85 | +5.2% |
| 2023 | $33,200 | $15.97 | -0.5% |
| 2022 | $33,400 | $16.04 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $32,600 | $15.66 | +2.5% |
Recently added hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supercuts | Hairstylist/Cosmetologist | Pleasanton, CA | 05/25/2025 | $37,566 |
| Wellbiz Brands | Cosmetologist/Hairstylist Glendale In The Village at Arrowhead | Glendale, AZ | 05/19/2025 | $45,914 |
| Sharkey's Gaithersburg | Hairstylist/Cosmetologist | Gaithersburg, MD | 05/08/2025 | $52,175 |
| Wellbiz Brands | Cosmetologist/Hairstylist Glendale In The Village at Arrowhead | Glendale, AZ | 04/18/2025 | $45,914 |
| Bureau Veritas | Hairstylist (185454) | Enon, OH | 03/22/2025 | $41,740 |
| Hyatt Hotels Corp | Hairstylist/Seasonal) | Oceanside, CA | 03/14/2025 | $35,166 |
| Salonjobs, Inc. | Hairstylist/Cosmetologist | Boston, MA | 02/18/2025 | $60,000 |
| Supercuts Corporate Shops, Inc. | Hairstylist/Cosmetologist | Pleasanton, CA | 02/17/2025 | $37,566 |
| Hyatt Hotels Corp | Hairstylist/Seasonal) | Oceanside, CA | 01/29/2025 | $35,166 |
| PS Lifestyle | Cosmetologist/Hairstylist | Collinsville, IL | 01/28/2025 | $50,088 |
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