Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists vs. Childcare Workers: Who Earns More?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss out-earn Childcare Workerss by $810 a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss land at $35,790 and Childcare Workerss 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 Cosmetologistss is Washington ($59,510); for Childcare Workerss 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 Cosmetologistss or Childcare Workerss?
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss earn more nationally. The median is $35,790 for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss versus $34,980 for Childcare Workerss, a difference of $810. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists or Childcare Workers?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
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 Cosmetologistss get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss 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 Cosmetologistss earn $59,510 vs. $41,680 for Childcare Workerss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.