SOC 395012

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services. Excludes "Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance" (39-5091), "Manicurists and Pedicurists" (39-5092), and "Skincare Specialists" (39-5094).

National Median

$35,250

per year

National Salary Overview

Median Annual

$35,250

Entry Level (10th pct)

$24,580

Experienced (90th pct)

$70,220

Total Employed

295,460

Salary Distribution

Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)

Salary by Experience Level

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range
Entry Level0-2 years experience	$24,580 - $29,060
Mid Career2-8 years experience	$29,060 - $48,300
Senior / Expert8+ years experience	$48,300 - $70,220

Highest Paying Locations for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA

$60,770

+72.4% vs national

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

$60,140

+70.6% vs national

Bellingham, WA

$60,130

+70.6% vs national

Washington

$58,920

+67.1% vs national

Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA

$58,800

+66.8% vs national

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary by Location

Compare salaries across 50 metropolitan areas

Metropolitan Area	Median Salary	Employed
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA	$60,770	230
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA	$60,140	4,910
Bellingham, WA	$60,130	170
Washington	$58,920	7,410
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA	$58,800	530
East North Dakota nonmetropolitan area	$58,450	60
Kahului-Wailuku, HI	$57,080	90
Reno, NV	$54,610	320
West South Dakota nonmetropolitan area	$52,250	30
Hawaii	$52,000	1,000
Western Washington nonmetropolitan area	$52,000	170
Urban Honolulu, HI	$52,000	760
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA	$50,670	310
Northern Vermont nonmetropolitan area	$50,310	90
Burlington-South Burlington, VT	$49,860	240
Vermont	$49,640	520
Southern Vermont nonmetropolitan area	$49,470	190
South Dakota	$49,050	530
Boulder, CO	$48,890	500
East South Dakota nonmetropolitan area	$48,780	130
Portland-South Portland, ME	$48,730	460
Rapid City, SD	$48,590	110
Southwest Maine nonmetropolitan area	$48,520	160
Maine	$48,480	820
Cedar Rapids, IA	$48,460	240
Sioux Falls, SD-MN	$48,140	270
District of Columbia	$48,060	1,010
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH	$47,800	7,420
Massachusetts	$47,740	9,210
Trenton-Princeton, NJ	$47,700	620
Kennewick-Richland, WA	$47,420	270
Yakima, WA	$47,130	80
Fort Collins-Loveland, CO	$46,900	530
Barnstable Town, MA	$46,610	360
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI	$46,090	3,880
Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO	$45,800	3,810
Greeley, CO	$45,720	220
Lewiston-Auburn, ME	$45,640	80
Rochester, MN	$45,610	200
Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA	$45,570	140
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA	$45,570	70
Worcester, MA	$45,290	700
Hawaii / Kauai nonmetropolitan area	$45,180	140
Omaha, NE-IA	$45,160	1,220
Bowling Green, KY	$44,910	80
Fairbanks-College, AK	$44,700	40
Alaska	$44,700	240
Mankato, MN	$44,530	110
Alaska nonmetropolitan area	$44,520	50
Albany, OR	$44,460	30

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists?

The national median annual salary for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists is $35,250, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.

Where do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss earn the most?

The highest-paying metro area for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss is Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA, with a median salary of $60,770.

How much can an experienced Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make?

Top-earning Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologistss (90th percentile) make $70,220 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.