Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
In Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $37,060 at the median — $17.82 an hour. The range runs from $23K at the entry level to $74K for experienced workers. Cost of living is below average (RPP 91.7), which stretches that salary to about $40,414 in buying power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,318/month — about 52.1% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $37K get you in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $23K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K.Top earners bring in $74K or more - a $51K spread from bottom to top.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59K | +67% | 7,410 |
| Hawaii | $52K | +48% | 1,000 |
| Vermont | $50K | +41% | 520 |
| South Dakota | $49K | +39% | 530 |
| Maine | $48K | +38% | 820 |
| District of Columbia | $48K | +36% | 1,010 |
| Massachusetts | $48K | +35% | 9,210 |
| Alaska | $45K | +27% | 240 |
| New Jersey | $44K | +25% | 15,140 |
| Minnesota | $43K | +22% | 5,230 |
| New Hampshire | $42K | +19% | 1,550 |
| California | $39K | +12% | 21,510 |
| Nebraska | $39K | +11% | 1,950 |
| Montana | $38K | +8% | 600 |
| Iowa | $38K | +7% | 2,870 |
Track hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Des Moines-West Des Moines numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median is $37,060 a year - that works out to about $17.82 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $23,380, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $74,310. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,511/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,318/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 52.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary go in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
Des Moines-West Des Moines has a Regional Price Parity of 91.7 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary is worth about $40,414 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.