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Job outlook for stylist assistants in the United States
Stylist assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected stylist assistant job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 65,000 new jobs for stylist assistants are projected over the next decade.
Stylist assistant salaries have increased 13% for stylist assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 199,125 stylist assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 11,808 active stylist assistant job openings in the US.
The average stylist assistant salary is $36,793.
Are stylist assistant jobs in demand?
Stylist assistant job and salary trends over time
Stylist assistant jobs over time
Stylist assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 199,125 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 210,566 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 268,741 | 0.08% |
| 2018 | 262,648 | 0.08% |
| 2017 | 245,032 | 0.07% |
Average stylist assistant salary over time
Stylist assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,793 | $17.69 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $35,059 | $16.86 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | $33,232 | $15.98 | --0.5% |
| 2022 | $33,393 | $16.05 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $32,600 | $15.67 | +2.5% |
Stylist assistant jobs by state
Most common states for stylist assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 462 | 7% |
| 2 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 587 | 6% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 78 | 6% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 54 | 6% |
| 5 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 562 | 5% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 335 | 5% |
| 7 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 313 | 5% |
| 8 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 201 | 5% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 153 | 5% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 141 | 5% |
| 11 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 87 | 5% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 534 | 4% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 271 | 4% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 258 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 218 | 4% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 179 | 4% |
| 17 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 70 | 4% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 46 | 4% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 37 | 4% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
Most common cities for stylist assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 1 | 0% | $31,365 |
Stylist Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of stylist assistant experts
Skyline College
Daytona State College
Guilford Technical Community College
What general advice would you give to a Stylist Assistant?
Lynsey Hemstreet: Trends change quickly in the cosmetology industry, so follow some industry pros on social media for inspiration and education. Clients will ask about new services like brow lamination or micro-extensions, and you can add new services to your menu just as soon as you can get trained. In the cosmetology industry, soft skills like communication, professionalism and customer service are always in demand. If those are your weak spots, consider taking some classes on public speaking and business. Also, don't be afraid to embrace technology. Convenience is a major selling point in this industry, and learning how to use appointment management apps can help your clients book easily and quickly.
What Stylist Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lynsey Hemstreet: Don't sell yourself short! Respect the time and energy you spent going to school and honing your craft and charge what you are worth. Resist the temptation to give discounts, promotions or free services to friends and family. Have faith that people will pay you what you're worth.
What will help Stylist Assistants increase their earning potential?
Lynsey Hemstreet: I recommend approaching your career with an open mind. In cosmetology school, you only get a taste of all the field has to offer. It's important to take as many professional development classes as you can to learn advanced skills like lash and hair extensions, haircolor correction, special occasion styling, makeup and advanced haircutting. Leveling up your skills helps to set you apart from other stylists and build your own niche, allowing you to charge premium prices. Don't be too eager to jump into owning your own business or renting your own chair. Assisting a more advanced stylist for a while can be a valuable experience, since you get to work side by side with an expert who has years of knowledge and a large clientele to share with you.
What Stylist Assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cynthia Vancura: I would suggest keeping up with the trends through social media, practicing on friends and family and if possible find jobs in salons as a receptionist, or any of the Beauty stores. Hair cuts and color application is a critical importance to the Cosmetology field.
What general advice would you give to a Stylist Assistant?
Kathy Grant: Research salons and make sure that you pick one that is willing to help advance and improve on the skills you have acquired in school. Continuing education should be relevant to them. Don't be afraid to start as an assistant. Make sure the salon is a good fit for you financially. Some salons offer hourly pay while others offer commission or booth rent. And lastly, there are so many directions you can go in with your degree. You are not limited to working in a salon behind a chair.