Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists vs. Childcare Workers: Who Earns More?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists out-earn Childcare Workers by $810 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists land at $35,790 and Childcare Workers at $34,980. The education gap is real: hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologist programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while childcare worker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists is Washington ($59,510); for Childcare Workers it's District of Columbia ($47,340).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists or Childcare Workers?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn more nationally. The median is $35,790 for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists versus $34,980 for Childcare Workers, a difference of $810. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists or Childcare Workers?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists has the better 10-year outlook at 5.6% projected growth, compared to -2.9% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists or Childcare Workers?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Childcare Workers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists at $59,510/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists vs. Childcare Workers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn $59,510 vs. $41,680 for Childcare Workers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.