Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn $39,790 at the median — $19.13 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $68K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $36,206 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 153.4% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $40K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $40K.Top earners bring in $68K or more - a $33K 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $39,790 a year - that works out to about $19.13 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,100, and experienced hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists can clear $67,670. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $40K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,770/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 152.1% 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 Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (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 $36,206 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.