Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in U.S.
In U.S., hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $35,250 at the median — $16.95 an hour. The range runs from $25K at the entry level to $70K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $35K get you in U.S.?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $25K. Mid-career wages sit at $35K.Top earners bring in $70K or more - a $46K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in U.S.?
The median is $35,250 a year - that works out to about $16.95 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $24,580, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $70,220. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $35K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,530/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 55.8% 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 U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary is worth about $35,250 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.