Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
In San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $37,270 at the median — $17.92 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $65K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $33,310 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 116.6% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $37K.Top earners bring in $65K or more - a $30K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
Related careers in Personal Care
Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $37,270 a year - that works out to about $17.92 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,840, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $65,280. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $37K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,610/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 115% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary is worth about $33,310 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.