The median annual pay for cosmetologists is $35,420 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent data. Helping people feel their best can be a rewarding way to spend your workdays, and cosmetologists get to do just that. From hair to skincare to makeup to nails, there are many different niches a cosmetologist can master, all of which can be enjoyable career paths.
That said, the average pay for cosmetologists is significantly lower than the average income for all jobs in America, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $62,088 for the first quarter of 2025 (based on an average weekly salary of $1,194).
Keep reading to learn what it’s like to work as a cosmetologist and the earning potential for this role.
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Table of Contents
Key Points
• The median annual salary for cosmetologists is $35,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Entry-level cosmetologists can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $11.82.
• Highly skilled cosmetologists in major cities can potentially earn six-figure salaries.
• Many cosmetologists are self-employed and rent a chair or space at the salon they work in.
• The cost of a state-approved cosmetology program is typically lower than that of a four-year degree.
What Are Cosmetologists?
Cosmetologists provide personal grooming services, such as haircuts, manicures and pedicures, skincare services and facials, hair removal (waxing), or makeup artistry. Many cosmetologists offer a variety of these services, whereas others have a specific niche, such as hairstyling.
During cosmetology school, it’s common for students to take lessons in a variety of different specialties. That way, they can gain better insight into which areas of cosmetology they’re most passionate about and skilled at.
In terms of training, states often require a certain number of hours of training and a passing grade in written and practical examinations. For instance, in New York, you need 1,000 hours of training. You might study at a private cosmetology school (cosmetology school loans may be available) or undertake an associate’s degree program.
Your area of specialization can impact your earning potential as a cosmetologist, as can your location. In New York City, with its high cost of living and pay grade, one study found the average salary to be more than $70,000 per year. That could mean that those in major cities who have superior skills and experience and a loyal following could even earn $100,000 per year.
Lastly, it’s important to recognize that cosmetology typically involves lots of interaction with clients. For this reason, it may not be the best job for antisocial people.
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How Much Do Starting Cosmetologists Make a Year?
Cosmetologists in entry-level positions can expect to earn less than those with many years of experience.
When it comes to starting wages, cosmetologists can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $11.82 (in the lowest 10% of earners) but may see that amount rise significantly over time. The top 10% of earners in this field make more than $33.76 per hour.
For example, a celebrity makeup artist can make very competitive pay, but they also tend to be extremely skilled and experienced.
What Is the Average Salary for a Cosmetologist?
The amount of money someone stands to earn as a cosmetologist can vary significantly depending on the services they offer, their experience level, and where they live. The median annual salary is $35,420.
It’s important to note that an annual salary is not a guarantee as a cosmetologist, as many work part-time. In terms of how much a cosmetologist makes an hour, the median hourly wage for a cosmetologist is $16.95.
These medians give prospective cosmetologists an idea of how much they stand to make if they pursue this career path, but they can get an even clearer picture by reviewing the average salary by state. Here, you’ll find these figures for each state according to 2024 data.
What Is the Average Cosmetologist Salary by State for 2024?
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $58,920 | $4,910 | $1,133 | $28.33 |
| Hawaii | $52,000 | $4,333 | $1,000 | $25 |
| Vermont | $49,640 | $4,136 | $954 | $23.87 |
| South Dakota | $49,050 | $4,087 | $943 | $23.58 |
| Maine | $48,480 | $4,040 | $932 | $23.31 |
| Massachusetts | $47,740 | $3,978 | $918 | $22.95 |
| Alaska | $44,700 | $3,725 | $860 | $21.49 |
| New Jersey | $44,110 | $3,675 | $848 | $21.21 |
| Colorado | $43,680 | $3,640 | $840 | $21 |
| Minnesota | $42,850 | $3,571 | $824 | $20.60 |
| New Hampshire | $42,000 | $3,500 | $808 | $20.19 |
| California | $39,370 | $3,281 | $757 | $18.93 |
| Nebraska | $39,160 | $3,263 | $753 | $18.84 |
| Montana | $38,230 | $3,186 | $735 | $18.38 |
| Virginia | $37,850 | $3,154 | $728 | $18.20 |
| Iowa | $37,850 | $3,154 | $728 | $18.20 |
| Connecticut | $37,070 | $3,089 | $713 | $17.82 |
| Wisconsin | $36,550 | $3,045 | $703 | $17.57 |
| Maryland | $36,440 | $33,037 | $701 | $17.52 |
| North Carolina | $36,140 | $3,012 | $695 | $17.37 |
| Michigan | $35,720 | $2,977 | $687 | $17.17 |
| Oregon | $35,760 | $2,980 | $688 | $17.19 |
| Arizona | $35,220 | $2,935 | $677 | $16.93 |
| Utah | $34,960 | $2,913 | $672 | $16.81 |
| Illinois | $34,800 | $2,900 | $669 | $16.73 |
| Kansas | $34,740 | $2,895 | $668 | $16.70 |
| New York | $33,960 | $2,830 | $653 | $16.33 |
| North Dakota | $33,870 | $2,822 | $651 | $16.29 |
| Idaho | $33,820 | $2,818 | $650 | $16.26 |
| Kentucky | $32,170 | $2,681 | $619 | $15.47 |
| Wyoming | $32,400 | $2,700 | $623 | $15.58 |
| Indiana | $31,480 | $2,623 | $605 | $15.14 |
| West Virginia | $31,150 | $2,596 | $599 | $14.97 |
| Delaware | $30,980 | $2,582 | $596 | $14.90 |
| Georgia | $30,790 | $2,566 | $592 | $14.81 |
| Oklahoma | $30,680 | $2,557 | $590 | $14.75 |
| Rhode Island | $30,510 | $2,542 | $587 | $14.67 |
| Missouri | $30,390 | $2,532 | $584 | $14.61 |
| Florida | $29,760 | $2,480 | $572 | $14.31 |
| Pennsylvania | $29,680 | $2,473 | $571 | $14.27 |
| Alabama | $29,660 | $2,472 | $570 | $14.26 |
| Nevada | $29,690 | $2,474 | $571 | $14.27 |
| Tennessee | $29,170 | $2,431 | $561 | $14.03 |
| South Carolina | $29,120 | $2,427 | $560 | $14.00 |
| Ohio | $29,440 | $2,453 | $566 | $14.15 |
| Texas | $28,370 | $2,364 | $545 | $13.64 |
| Mississippi | $28,360 | $2,363 | $545 | $13.63 |
| New Mexico | $28,150 | $2,346 | $541 | $13.54 |
| Arkansas | $26,450 | $2,204 | $509 | $12.72 |
| Louisiana | $23,470 | $1,956 | $451 | $11.29 |
Source: CareerOneStop
Cosmetologist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
Even if they work full-time, many cosmetologists are self-employed and rent a chair or space at the salon they work in. Because most cosmetologists are not full-time employees of someone else’s business, they typically don’t receive employer-sponsored benefits such as health coverage or a 401(k) match. This means they also don’t receive a paycheck when they take time off. To help offset the loss of benefits, cosmetologists need to set their rates to cover not only living expenses but also health care and their retirement fund.
Some cosmetologists, however, will find full-time work. Examples of these career paths could be working as a cosmetology instructor or at a resort’s spa.
Pros and Cons of a Cosmetologist Salary
One of the main benefits of working as a cosmetologist is that you don’t require expensive schooling to start this career. While you must typically complete a state-approved cosmetology program, this education path is usually much faster and less expensive than pursuing a four-year degree, with costs generally ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. This means many cosmetologists can avoid taking out expensive student loans with monthly payments that can eat into their paychecks.
However, there’s no denying that the average cosmetologist salary is below the national average salary for all incomes combined.
The Takeaway
Working as a cosmetologist leads to a median annual salary of $35,420. With hard work and strong skills, cosmetologists can expect to make more money as their careers progress, especially if they work in certain markets. Also, since many cosmetologists work for themselves, they can gradually increase their rates as they build their client base and reputation.
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FAQ
Can you make 100K a year as a cosmetologist?
It’s possible to earn $100,000 or more a year as a cosmetologist. However, it will take time to build up a client base or find a position that pays high enough rates to earn a six-figure salary.
Do people like being a cosmetologist?
It’s very common to pursue cosmetology as a career because of a passion for hair care, skincare, makeup, or nail care. This can be a fun and rewarding career path for anyone whose passions align with the services they offer. However, even if they love cosmetology, introverted people may find a full day of social interaction to be too draining.
Is it hard to get hired as a cosmetologist?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 84,200 job openings for cosmetologists between now and 2034, and it anticipates a 5% growth in overall employment during this period, which exceeds the national average.
What is the highest-paid cosmetology job?
Cosmetologists such as celebrity makeup artists often earn competitive salaries, but they tend to be highly skilled and experienced. Those working in major cities can potentially earn six-figure salaries after building a loyal client base.
Is it expensive to become a cosmetologist?
Cosmetology programs generally cost between $10,000 and $20,000. This is lower than the typical cost of a four-year degree.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/Renata Angerami
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