Hairstylist salary
BLS occupation: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists · also called cosmetologist · Personal care and service · data for May 2025
Median salary $35,790 a year, US
Median hourly pay $17.21 an hour
Middle half earn $30,120–$48,830 25th to 75th percentile
Hairstylists employed 305,710 +7.7% projected by 2035
How much does a hairstylist make?
- The median hairstylist salary in the US is $35,790 a year ($17.21 an hour): half of the 305,710 hairstylists BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $43,960.
- The middle half earn between $30,120 and $48,830. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $27,040 and the top 10% more than $71,190.
- That is 30% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Washington pays hairstylists the most (median $59,510), followed by Oregon ($57,580) and the District of Columbia ($54,570). Louisiana pays the least ($26,030).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in South Dakota, where the median is worth $56,217 in typical US prices, then Oregon and Washington. Washington's higher pay is offset by its prices (107.0 vs a US average of 100).
- In 1 of the 343 metro areas with data, the median hairstylist salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of hairstylists to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 73,400 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what hairstylists are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Hairstylist salary range
Half of hairstylists earn between $30,120 and $48,830 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $27,040
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $30,120
Median Yearly pay: $35,790
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $48,830
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $71,190
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $27,040 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $30,120 |
| Median | $35,790 |
| Top 25% earn over | $48,830 |
| Top 10% earn over | $71,190 |
Hairstylist salary by state
Washington pays hairstylists the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($35,790), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $59,510 median |
| Oregon | $57,580 median |
| District of Columbia | $54,570 median |
| South Dakota | $49,800 median |
| Vermont | $48,650 median |
| Connecticut | $44,620 median |
| Maine | $44,000 median |
| Minnesota | $39,170 median |
| California | $38,660 median |
| North Carolina | $38,410 median |
| Montana | $38,000 median |
| New Mexico | $37,750 median |
| Colorado | $37,690 median |
| Massachusetts | $37,290 median |
| Arizona | $36,810 median |
| Pennsylvania | $36,790 median |
| Maryland | $36,420 median |
| Ohio | $36,260 median |
| Wisconsin | $36,230 median |
| New Jersey | $36,150 median |
| New York | $35,760 median |
| Iowa | $35,700 median |
| Idaho | $35,480 median |
| Utah | $35,140 median |
| Hawaii | $35,040 median |
| North Dakota | $34,850 median |
| Michigan | $34,820 median |
| New Hampshire | $34,650 median |
| Georgia | $34,560 median |
| West Virginia | $34,480 median |
| Delaware | $34,350 median |
| Nebraska | $34,320 median |
| Illinois | $34,040 median |
| Nevada | $33,840 median |
| South Carolina | $33,700 median |
| Indiana | $32,830 median |
| Alaska | $32,150 median |
| Tennessee | $31,310 median |
| Rhode Island | $31,200 median |
| Missouri | $30,750 median |
| Texas | $30,680 median |
| Kentucky | $29,840 median |
| Kansas | $29,710 median |
| Oklahoma | $29,650 median |
| Florida | $29,530 median |
| Wyoming | $29,170 median |
| Alabama | $29,150 median |
| Arkansas | $28,830 median |
| Mississippi | $27,560 median |
| Louisiana | $26,030 median |
Where hairstylist pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Hairstylists' pay goes furthest in South Dakota once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | $56,217 |
| Oregon | $55,708 |
| Washington | $55,610 |
| Vermont | $49,664 |
| District of Columbia | $49,654 |
| Maine | $45,337 |
| Connecticut | $43,065 |
| New Mexico | $40,938 |
| North Carolina | $40,720 |
| Iowa | $40,678 |
Hairstylist pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59,510 | $28.61 | $36,830 | $99,970 | 6,930 | $55,610 |
| Oregon | $57,580 | $27.68 | $34,880 | $76,810 | 1,860 | $55,708 |
| District of Columbia | $54,570 | $26.24 | $36,400 | $130,950 | 870 | $49,654 |
| South Dakota | $49,800 | $23.94 | $32,090 | $61,900 | 690 | $56,217 |
| Vermont | $48,650 | $23.39 | $30,960 | $80,530 | 440 | $49,664 |
| Connecticut | $44,620 | $21.45 | $34,010 | $72,620 | 4,090 | $43,065 |
| Maine | $44,000 | $21.15 | $30,640 | $63,640 | 970 | $45,337 |
| Minnesota | $39,170 | $18.83 | $23,590 | $78,880 | 5,320 | $39,718 |
| California | $38,660 | $18.59 | $35,360 | $68,640 | 27,080 | $34,917 |
| North Carolina | $38,410 | $18.47 | $26,880 | $61,530 | 8,490 | $40,720 |
| Montana | $38,000 | $18.27 | $22,160 | $75,440 | 690 | $40,150 |
| New Mexico | $37,750 | $18.15 | $27,190 | $52,560 | 1,230 | $40,938 |
| Colorado | $37,690 | $18.12 | $31,520 | $98,860 | 6,820 | $36,574 |
| Massachusetts | $37,290 | $17.93 | $31,600 | $79,330 | 9,600 | $35,260 |
| Arizona | $36,810 | $17.70 | $31,050 | $57,790 | 7,840 | $36,562 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,790 | $17.69 | $23,700 | $68,750 | 19,350 | $37,705 |
| Maryland | $36,420 | $17.51 | $31,830 | $72,940 | 5,860 | $34,699 |
| Ohio | $36,260 | $17.43 | $23,520 | $77,330 | 12,890 | $39,084 |
| Wisconsin | $36,230 | $17.42 | $23,790 | $58,970 | 6,260 | $38,504 |
| New Jersey | $36,150 | $17.38 | $32,220 | $92,090 | 15,500 | $33,225 |
| New York | $35,760 | $17.19 | $33,960 | $88,540 | 20,740 | $33,135 |
| Iowa | $35,700 | $17.16 | $26,650 | $56,250 | 2,930 | $40,678 |
| Idaho | $35,480 | $17.06 | $22,810 | $48,000 | 2,250 | $37,154 |
| Utah | $35,140 | $16.89 | $21,810 | $75,860 | 2,810 | $35,544 |
| Hawaii | $35,040 | $16.85 | $29,120 | $73,820 | 930 | $31,869 |
| North Dakota | $34,850 | $16.75 | $24,130 | $77,800 | 870 | $39,175 |
| Michigan | $34,820 | $16.74 | $25,960 | $95,370 | 8,970 | $36,189 |
| New Hampshire | $34,650 | $16.66 | $25,720 | $58,210 | 1,950 | $33,265 |
| Georgia | $34,560 | $16.62 | $17,310 | $79,170 | 7,910 | $35,890 |
| West Virginia | $34,480 | $16.58 | $23,580 | $60,300 | 1,020 | $38,526 |
| Delaware | $34,350 | $16.51 | $31,200 | $75,950 | 1,270 | $34,416 |
| Nebraska | $34,320 | $16.50 | $28,080 | $73,740 | 1,890 | $38,090 |
| Illinois | $34,040 | $16.37 | $31,200 | $58,960 | 13,190 | $34,054 |
| Nevada | $33,840 | $16.27 | $26,160 | $64,300 | 1,940 | $33,847 |
| South Carolina | $33,700 | $16.20 | $21,340 | $77,430 | 3,570 | $35,947 |
| Indiana | $32,830 | $15.78 | $23,890 | $58,620 | 5,920 | $35,177 |
| Alaska | $32,150 | $15.46 | $30,900 | $55,850 | 330 | $31,409 |
| Tennessee | $31,310 | $15.05 | $25,700 | $58,000 | 6,080 | $34,081 |
| Rhode Island | $31,200 | $15.00 | $31,200 | $38,630 | 1,470 | $30,504 |
| Missouri | $30,750 | $14.78 | $28,600 | $58,530 | 5,430 | $33,859 |
| Texas | $30,680 | $14.75 | $23,580 | $59,730 | 22,440 | $31,610 |
| Kentucky | $29,840 | $14.35 | $22,580 | $76,170 | 2,350 | $33,097 |
| Kansas | $29,710 | $14.28 | $21,910 | $77,790 | 2,190 | $32,986 |
| Oklahoma | $29,650 | $14.25 | $18,980 | $60,390 | 1,920 | $33,753 |
| Florida | $29,530 | $14.20 | $27,450 | $58,320 | 23,530 | $28,555 |
| Wyoming | $29,170 | $14.02 | $18,150 | $56,640 | 360 | $31,470 |
| Alabama | $29,150 | $14.01 | $21,300 | $56,700 | 3,300 | $32,818 |
| Arkansas | $28,830 | $13.86 | $23,920 | $49,990 | 1,410 | $33,162 |
| Mississippi | $27,560 | $13.25 | $17,370 | $58,790 | 1,040 | $31,695 |
| Louisiana | $26,030 | $12.51 | $21,590 | $33,900 | 2,720 | $29,510 |
BLS does not publish pay for hairstylists in 1 state (too few workers to estimate reliably). After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Hairstylist salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes hairstylist pay: 346 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Corvallis, OR $61,880
- Bellingham, WA $61,820
- Spokane, WA $61,440
- Kahului, HI $60,710
- Seattle, WA $59,810
- Portland, OR $59,610
- Burlington, VT $58,740
- Bremerton, WA $58,150
- Bend, OR $51,640
- Salem, OR $50,960
Where the pay goes furthest
- Spokane, WA $61,228
- Bellingham, WA $59,825
- Corvallis, OR $59,490
- Burlington, VT $58,188
- Portland, OR $56,545
- Sioux Falls, SD $55,720
- Kahului, HI $55,497
- Bremerton, WA $55,063
- Rapid City, SD $54,329
- Seattle, WA $53,818
All 346 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corvallis, OR | $61,880 | 120 | $59,490 | 35% |
| Bellingham, WA | $61,820 | 160 | $59,825 | 38% |
| Spokane, WA | $61,440 | 570 | $61,228 | 30% |
| Kahului, HI | $60,710 | 80 | $55,497 | 63% |
| Seattle, WA | $59,810 | 4,510 | $53,818 | 45% |
| Portland, OR | $59,610 | 1,500 | $56,545 | 36% |
| Burlington, VT | $58,740 | 220 | $58,188 | 53% |
| Bremerton, WA | $58,150 | 200 | $55,063 | 42% |
| Bend, OR | $51,640 | 80 | $49,842 | 52% |
| Salem, OR | $50,960 | 130 | $49,166 | 39% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $50,500 | 320 | $55,720 | 30% |
| Olympia, WA | $49,840 | 290 | $48,076 | 49% |
| Kennewick, WA | $49,640 | 250 | $49,601 | 41% |
| Eugene, OR | $49,570 | 180 | $48,805 | 43% |
| Medford, OR | $49,480 | 120 | $48,781 | 45% |
| Rapid City, SD | $48,440 | 170 | $54,329 | 36% |
| Boulder, CO | $48,120 | 490 | $45,741 | 55% |
| Durham, NC | $48,060 | 530 | $49,256 | 41% |
| Barnstable, MA | $46,520 | 370 | $47,300 | 67% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $46,470 | 1,500 | $43,485 | 74% |
| Portland, ME | $46,460 | 600 | $45,613 | 59% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $46,310 | 3,920 | $44,180 | 45% |
| Yakima, WA | $46,270 | 100 | $48,427 | 35% |
| Greeley, CO | $44,380 | 210 | $44,302 | 46% |
| Norwich, CT | $44,270 | 280 | $44,074 | 57% |
| Raleigh, NC | $43,700 | 1,810 | $44,521 | 46% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $43,500 | 10,910 | $38,304 | 81% |
| San Jose, CA | $43,410 | 2,030 | $39,312 | 105% |
| Hartford, CT | $42,650 | 1,180 | $41,510 | 56% |
| Great Falls, MT | $42,450 | 60 | $43,833 | 40% |
| San Francisco, CA | $42,400 | 3,370 | $36,674 | 98% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $42,350 | 630 | $42,840 | 58% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $41,230 | 560 | $40,770 | 57% |
| Billings, MT | $40,950 | 130 | $43,785 | 41% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $40,720 | 1,270 | $40,370 | 48% |
| Asheville, NC | $40,620 | 330 | $42,091 | 50% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $39,990 | 90 | $43,427 | 47% |
| Trenton, NJ | $39,990 | 690 | $38,758 | 76% |
| Napa, CA | $39,610 | 40 | $35,192 | 88% |
| Rochester, MN | $39,460 | 190 | $43,448 | 48% |
| Salisbury, MD | $39,400 | 130 | $41,206 | 59% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $38,980 | 550 | $42,350 | 47% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $38,810 | 70 | $37,369 | 54% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $38,740 | 1,290 | $40,546 | 50% |
| Vallejo, CA | $38,640 | 170 | $35,620 | 77% |
| Tucson, AZ | $38,590 | 890 | $39,826 | 46% |
| Charlotte, NC | $38,530 | 2,940 | $39,580 | 54% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $38,330 | 850 | $40,117 | 47% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $38,290 | 160 | $41,630 | 46% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $38,280 | 370 | $35,515 | 84% |
| Lewiston, ME | $38,200 | 80 | $40,323 | 50% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $38,190 | 2,070 | $39,397 | 49% |
| Helena, MT | $38,160 | 70 | $39,885 | 52% |
| Akron, OH | $38,100 | 1,140 | $40,805 | 41% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $38,100 | 4,190 | $40,245 | 46% |
| Salinas, CA | $37,970 | 170 | $34,821 | 88% |
| Lebanon, PA | $37,920 | 200 | $40,681 | 46% |
| Chico, CA | $37,880 | 60 | $37,432 | 49% |
| Lewiston, ID | $37,820 | 100 | $41,487 | 47% |
| Allentown, PA | $37,690 | 1,350 | $37,702 | 59% |
| Stockton, CA | $37,690 | 380 | $35,865 | 77% |
| Vineland, NJ | $37,680 | 220 | $39,263 | 53% |
| Greensboro, NC | $37,620 | 470 | $40,510 | 45% |
| Oxnard, CA | $37,440 | 500 | $33,872 | 95% |
| Boston, MA | $37,430 | 7,870 | $34,572 | 96% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $37,420 | 190 | $37,138 | 65% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $37,390 | 90 | $37,269 | 68% |
| Lansing, MI | $37,380 | 280 | $39,351 | 42% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $37,380 | 180 | $34,014 | 111% |
| Hanford, CA | $37,350 | 50 | $36,757 | 62% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $37,320 | 9,960 | $36,391 | 61% |
| San Diego, CA | $37,290 | 2,870 | $33,328 | 95% |
| Wilmington, NC | $37,230 | 500 | $38,612 | 56% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $37,210 | 150 | $39,579 | 43% |
| Yuba City, CA | $37,180 | 60 | $35,670 | 66% |
| Bangor, ME | $37,050 | 80 | $38,391 | 49% |
| Washington, DC | $37,020 | 7,010 | $33,999 | 78% |
| Modesto, CA | $36,960 | 320 | $35,502 | 67% |
| Niles, MI | $36,960 | 80 | $40,013 | 46% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $36,900 | 120 | $33,979 | 91% |
| Rochester, NY | $36,830 | 730 | $37,955 | 50% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $36,810 | 6,440 | $35,629 | 56% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $36,790 | 2,540 | $38,576 | 50% |
| Sacramento, CA | $36,780 | 1,800 | $34,480 | 74% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $36,760 | 240 | $33,787 | 107% |
| Springfield, MA | $36,690 | 410 | $38,194 | 64% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $36,680 | 870 | $36,422 | 58% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $36,620 | 240 | $37,256 | 60% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $36,610 | 50 | $35,472 | 60% |
| Longview, WA | $36,590 | 40 | $37,511 | 46% |
| Visalia, CA | $36,570 | 120 | $36,634 | 57% |
| State College, PA | $36,540 | 240 | $37,763 | 64% |
| Denver, CO | $36,530 | 4,150 | $34,533 | 62% |
| Kenosha, WI | $36,520 | 250 | $36,116 | – |
| Grand Junction, CO | $36,500 | 170 | $38,230 | 57% |
| Madison, WI | $36,490 | 890 | $37,508 | 59% |
| Reno, NV | $36,490 | 380 | $36,124 | 68% |
| New Haven, CT | $36,480 | 570 | $34,889 | 67% |
| Toledo, OH | $36,440 | 650 | $39,845 | 42% |
| Waterbury, CT | $36,430 | 430 | $36,511 | – |
| Worcester, MA | $36,430 | 640 | $35,533 | 69% |
| Riverside, CA | $36,410 | 2,080 | $34,206 | 83% |
| Omaha, NE | $36,390 | 1,220 | $39,593 | 46% |
| Baltimore, MD | $36,370 | 2,700 | $34,808 | 64% |
| Reading, PA | $36,350 | 620 | $37,451 | 51% |
| Appleton, WI | $36,260 | 280 | $39,234 | 40% |
| Columbus, OH | $36,260 | 2,420 | $37,981 | 50% |
| Lawrence, KS | $36,180 | 100 | $40,092 | 52% |
| Ames, IA | $36,170 | 170 | $40,718 | 39% |
| New York, NY | $36,120 | 27,660 | $32,089 | 118% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $36,100 | 70 | $37,849 | 46% |
| York, PA | $36,050 | 510 | $37,552 | 46% |
| Sebring, FL | $36,000 | 30 | $38,932 | 51% |
| Iowa City, IA | $35,950 | 240 | $39,286 | 59% |
| Columbia, MO | $35,900 | 270 | $40,140 | 49% |
| Boise, ID | $35,890 | 1,250 | $36,477 | 64% |
| Fresno, CA | $35,880 | 430 | $35,122 | 69% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $35,770 | 260 | $40,208 | 41% |
| Cleveland, OH | $35,640 | 3,070 | $37,946 | 48% |
| Des Moines, IA | $35,640 | 870 | $38,865 | 43% |
| Midland, MI | $35,580 | 50 | $38,707 | 47% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $35,550 | 140 | $37,379 | 59% |
| Erie, PA | $35,540 | 410 | $39,076 | 38% |
| Scranton, PA | $35,540 | 670 | $37,988 | 46% |
| Lancaster, PA | $35,510 | 840 | $36,140 | 53% |
| Janesville, WI | $35,500 | 140 | $37,886 | 44% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $35,490 | 350 | $35,180 | 65% |
| Green Bay, WI | $35,490 | 300 | $38,126 | 38% |
| Dubuque, IA | $35,360 | 110 | $40,491 | 36% |
| Waterloo, IA | $35,360 | 160 | $40,617 | 35% |
| Carson City, NV | $35,350 | 50 | $36,024 | 70% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $35,330 | 250 | $35,020 | 62% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $35,310 | 220 | $40,294 | 42% |
| Racine, WI | $35,270 | 200 | $36,755 | 50% |
| Austin, TX | $35,220 | 2,800 | $35,915 | 55% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $35,140 | 170 | $37,868 | 39% |
| Hickory, NC | $35,100 | 160 | $39,667 | 55% |
| La Crosse, WI | $35,090 | 170 | $38,237 | 46% |
| Duluth, MN | $35,080 | 270 | $39,519 | 45% |
| Canton, OH | $35,010 | 410 | $39,158 | 39% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $35,010 | 730 | $31,995 | 77% |
| Mankato, MN | $35,010 | 130 | $38,492 | 42% |
| Greenville, NC | $34,980 | 80 | $39,569 | 50% |
| Yuma, AZ | $34,970 | 110 | $37,721 | 49% |
| Detroit, MI | $34,960 | 4,790 | $34,856 | 52% |
| Traverse City, MI | $34,950 | 120 | $37,431 | 64% |
| Redding, CA | $34,930 | 70 | $34,693 | 57% |
| Fargo, ND | $34,910 | 350 | $38,417 | 38% |
| Charleston, SC | $34,860 | 800 | $34,528 | 70% |
| Syracuse, NY | $34,810 | 390 | $36,358 | 56% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $34,770 | 70 | $38,402 | 40% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $34,730 | 260 | $35,433 | 68% |
| Johnstown, PA | $34,720 | 170 | $40,405 | 31% |
| Kingston, NY | $34,720 | 140 | $34,476 | 70% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $34,710 | 120 | $35,326 | 65% |
| Burlington, NC | $34,700 | 90 | $37,233 | 46% |
| Bismarck, ND | $34,680 | 260 | $38,100 | 45% |
| Albany, NY | $34,670 | 660 | $34,821 | 59% |
| Atlanta, GA | $34,640 | 5,760 | $34,620 | 64% |
| Nashville, TN | $34,430 | 2,770 | $35,739 | 63% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $34,380 | 2,240 | $35,926 | 53% |
| Chicago, IL | $34,260 | 12,000 | $33,071 | 76% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $34,110 | 210 | $35,966 | 45% |
| Wausau, WI | $34,050 | 120 | $36,751 | 34% |
| Dallas, TX | $33,960 | 6,630 | $32,942 | 59% |
| Greenville, SC | $33,850 | 680 | $36,296 | 56% |
| Champaign, IL | $33,840 | 180 | $36,503 | 49% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $33,810 | 70 | $35,931 | 55% |
| Pocatello, ID | $33,760 | 90 | $37,973 | 38% |
| Saginaw, MI | $33,650 | 140 | $37,022 | 38% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $33,640 | 280 | $36,946 | 53% |
| Binghamton, NY | $33,620 | 160 | $36,204 | 57% |
| Louisville, KY | $33,620 | 930 | $36,122 | 48% |
| Davenport, IA | $33,580 | 420 | $37,697 | 36% |
| Lima, OH | $33,530 | 100 | $37,393 | 43% |
| Manchester, NH | $33,510 | 670 | $31,716 | 78% |
| Naples, FL | $33,480 | 800 | $32,442 | 93% |
| St. Louis, MO | $33,350 | 2,830 | $35,073 | 51% |
| Pueblo, CO | $33,280 | 50 | $36,268 | 48% |
| Springfield, OH | $33,280 | 80 | $36,781 | 43% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $33,080 | 180 | $35,038 | 52% |
| Buffalo, NY | $32,950 | 820 | $34,379 | 53% |
| Morgantown, WV | $32,790 | 150 | $35,136 | 50% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $32,710 | 910 | $34,735 | 59% |
| Decatur, IL | $32,620 | 70 | $36,891 | 39% |
| Utica, NY | $32,520 | 100 | $35,089 | 53% |
| Weirton, WV | $32,390 | 150 | $36,383 | 30% |
| Peoria, IL | $32,280 | 340 | $35,383 | 43% |
| Anchorage, AK | $32,150 | 240 | $30,497 | 71% |
| Minot, ND | $32,030 | 90 | $36,804 | 47% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $31,810 | 110 | $34,711 | 43% |
| Provo, UT | $31,720 | 750 | $32,291 | 67% |
| Wheeling, WV | $31,720 | 200 | $35,914 | 33% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $31,620 | 80 | $36,486 | 43% |
| Kansas City, MO | $31,520 | 2,220 | $34,060 | 58% |
| Columbus, IN | $31,300 | 40 | $33,655 | 53% |
| Lafayette, IN | $31,270 | 220 | $33,469 | 57% |
| Dover, DE | $31,200 | 170 | $31,998 | 68% |
| Kankakee, IL | $31,200 | 40 | $32,367 | 51% |
| Providence, RI | $31,200 | 2,120 | $30,656 | 83% |
| Springfield, IL | $31,200 | 280 | $33,641 | 46% |
| Muskegon, MI | $31,110 | 110 | $33,626 | 50% |
| Houston, TX | $31,080 | 5,480 | $31,512 | 63% |
| Muncie, IN | $31,020 | 60 | $35,191 | 40% |
| Honolulu, HI | $31,020 | 740 | $27,956 | 117% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $31,000 | 280 | $33,105 | 67% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $30,990 | 100 | $31,377 | 76% |
| Memphis, TN | $30,980 | 1,000 | $33,609 | 54% |
| San Angelo, TX | $30,900 | 60 | $33,422 | 51% |
| Michigan City, IN | $30,820 | 90 | $33,616 | 47% |
| Florence, SC | $30,810 | 50 | $35,506 | 59% |
| South Bend, IN | $30,770 | 310 | $33,137 | 49% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $30,740 | 50 | $34,749 | 59% |
| Grand Island, NE | $30,740 | 60 | $35,473 | 52% |
| Bay City, MI | $30,720 | 70 | $33,420 | 40% |
| Columbia, SC | $30,710 | 580 | $32,788 | 61% |
| Monroe, MI | $30,690 | 70 | $32,826 | 50% |
| Knoxville, TN | $30,650 | 910 | $33,110 | 68% |
| Jackson, MI | $30,640 | 100 | $33,385 | 46% |
| Flint, MI | $30,610 | 210 | $32,902 | 41% |
| Dayton, OH | $30,590 | 790 | $33,001 | 52% |
| Williamsport, PA | $30,580 | 130 | $33,113 | 43% |
| Logan, UT | $30,560 | 90 | $31,858 | 56% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $30,550 | 840 | $30,968 | 58% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $30,530 | 1,420 | $30,465 | 68% |
| Montgomery, AL | $30,530 | 260 | $34,043 | 54% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $30,490 | 80 | $35,019 | 42% |
| San Antonio, TX | $30,460 | 2,210 | $32,159 | 56% |
| Lincoln, NE | $30,440 | 340 | $33,238 | 50% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $30,410 | 540 | $33,288 | 62% |
| Cleveland, TN | $30,390 | 40 | $34,503 | 56% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $30,380 | 410 | $33,215 | 60% |
| Bloomington, IN | $30,360 | 120 | $31,930 | 69% |
| Sioux City, IA | $30,330 | 100 | $35,082 | 51% |
| Kokomo, IN | $30,320 | 90 | $33,821 | 43% |
| Brunswick, GA | $30,260 | 110 | $34,501 | 66% |
| Athens, GA | $30,250 | 170 | $32,407 | 70% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $30,250 | 170 | $32,364 | 70% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $30,250 | 160 | $34,484 | 66% |
| Savannah, GA | $30,210 | 310 | $31,731 | 70% |
| St. George, UT | $30,200 | 170 | $31,031 | 73% |
| Altoona, PA | $30,090 | 270 | $33,617 | 40% |
| Ogden, UT | $30,080 | 360 | $29,975 | 65% |
| Midland, TX | $30,040 | 90 | $31,363 | 63% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $29,950 | 470 | $32,353 | 51% |
| Pensacola, FL | $29,940 | 460 | $30,639 | 70% |
| Clarksville, TN | $29,900 | 160 | $32,876 | 54% |
| Tulsa, OK | $29,860 | 770 | $33,470 | 55% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $29,850 | 210 | $32,121 | 51% |
| Crestview, FL | $29,830 | 290 | $30,743 | 79% |
| Columbus, GA | $29,790 | 210 | $33,361 | 55% |
| Miami, FL | $29,790 | 4,910 | $26,096 | 107% |
| Elkhart, IN | $29,780 | 100 | $32,970 | 48% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $29,760 | 1,010 | $29,077 | 74% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $29,700 | 170 | $32,035 | 67% |
| Evansville, IN | $29,700 | 270 | $32,449 | 44% |
| Manhattan, KS | $29,700 | 130 | $32,941 | 51% |
| Mobile, AL | $29,700 | 350 | $33,712 | 52% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $29,700 | 810 | $32,851 | 56% |
| Mansfield, OH | $29,690 | 150 | $33,408 | 36% |
| North Port, FL | $29,690 | 1,540 | $28,989 | 85% |
| Huntington, WV | $29,580 | 140 | $33,453 | 44% |
| Tampa, FL | $29,520 | 4,540 | $29,260 | 81% |
| Youngstown, OH | $29,520 | 290 | $33,778 | 43% |
| Springfield, MO | $29,500 | 500 | $33,301 | 51% |
| Orlando, FL | $29,470 | 3,090 | $29,058 | 79% |
| Augusta, GA | $29,430 | 350 | $32,023 | 60% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $29,260 | 90 | $30,324 | 63% |
| Sebastian, FL | $29,250 | 310 | $29,753 | 87% |
| Lexington, KY | $29,230 | 530 | $31,468 | 66% |
| Morristown, TN | $29,210 | 50 | $33,822 | 64% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $29,200 | 420 | $29,134 | 95% |
| The Villages, FL | $29,200 | 150 | $34,182 | 71% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $29,160 | 200 | $29,008 | 76% |
| Topeka, KS | $29,160 | 140 | $32,830 | 51% |
| Huntsville, AL | $29,150 | 550 | $31,320 | 57% |
| Waco, TX | $29,110 | 180 | $31,453 | 58% |
| Beaumont, TX | $29,050 | 220 | $32,261 | 54% |
| Lakeland, FL | $29,030 | 500 | $29,884 | 75% |
| Sandusky, OH | $29,030 | 100 | $32,515 | 75% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $29,020 | 770 | $29,019 | 78% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $29,010 | 410 | $30,888 | 61% |
| Birmingham, AL | $29,000 | 1,050 | $31,644 | 58% |
| Johnson City, TN | $28,980 | 180 | $32,959 | 62% |
| Gainesville, GA | $28,930 | 140 | $29,897 | 71% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $28,900 | 1,930 | $29,050 | 70% |
| Kingsport, TN | $28,820 | 120 | $33,338 | 55% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $28,800 | 100 | $33,458 | 42% |
| Sumter, SC | $28,780 | 60 | $32,697 | 61% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $28,730 | 40 | $33,259 | 42% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $28,720 | 290 | $28,967 | 85% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $28,680 | 40 | $33,454 | 52% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $28,630 | 110 | $32,543 | 42% |
| Lubbock, TX | $28,630 | 270 | $31,352 | 56% |
| Beckley, WV | $28,610 | 70 | $32,376 | 44% |
| Joplin, MO | $28,600 | 130 | $33,365 | 52% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $28,580 | 100 | $31,693 | 51% |
| Florence, AL | $28,550 | 50 | $33,661 | 45% |
| Decatur, AL | $28,430 | 90 | $32,599 | 46% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $28,390 | 70 | $31,345 | 55% |
| Deltona, FL | $28,370 | 540 | $28,551 | 75% |
| Paducah, KY | $28,350 | 40 | $32,933 | 49% |
| Wichita, KS | $28,340 | 460 | $31,862 | 51% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $28,280 | 90 | $32,211 | 41% |
| Abilene, TX | $28,230 | 110 | $31,240 | 85% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $28,210 | 250 | $30,441 | 61% |
| Dothan, AL | $28,150 | 90 | $33,579 | 52% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $28,090 | 70 | $32,705 | 46% |
| Killeen, TX | $28,080 | 290 | $30,812 | 56% |
| Lawton, OK | $28,050 | 70 | $32,639 | 48% |
| Auburn, AL | $27,980 | 120 | $31,820 | 68% |
| Gainesville, FL | $27,930 | 260 | $28,873 | 71% |
| Owensboro, KY | $27,890 | 40 | $31,475 | 53% |
| College Station, TX | $27,860 | 210 | $30,632 | 65% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $27,830 | 110 | $31,090 | 56% |
| Amarillo, TX | $27,810 | 150 | $30,288 | 56% |
| Little Rock, AR | $27,790 | 470 | $31,098 | 53% |
| Roanoke, VA | $27,750 | 340 | $29,642 | 61% |
| Texarkana, TX | $27,750 | 50 | $33,031 | 54% |
| Casper, WY | $27,740 | 80 | $29,564 | 62% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $27,730 | 110 | $29,223 | 73% |
| Longview, TX | $27,640 | 90 | $30,888 | 50% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $27,570 | 90 | $32,104 | 54% |
| Farmington, NM | $27,360 | 50 | $31,195 | 61% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $27,330 | 60 | $31,053 | 56% |
| McAllen, TX | $27,310 | 380 | $31,795 | 49% |
| Ocala, FL | $27,180 | 270 | $28,540 | 70% |
| Panama City, FL | $27,170 | 210 | $27,925 | 77% |
| Gadsden, AL | $27,070 | 40 | $31,604 | 48% |
| Jackson, MS | $26,990 | 300 | $30,309 | 65% |
| El Paso, TX | $26,970 | 510 | $29,996 | 68% |
| Tyler, TX | $26,950 | 190 | $29,244 | 58% |
| Gulfport, MS | $26,890 | 170 | $29,876 | 63% |
| New Orleans, LA | $26,470 | 670 | $28,586 | 71% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $26,300 | 510 | $28,971 | 62% |
| Macon, GA | $26,280 | 110 | $29,686 | 55% |
| Laredo, TX | $26,130 | 120 | $30,050 | 52% |
| Slidell, LA | $26,080 | 290 | $28,126 | – |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $24,580 | 70 | $28,049 | 64% |
| Shreveport, LA | $24,170 | 250 | $28,514 | 64% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $23,840 | 150 | $27,769 | 68% |
| Albany, GA | $23,760 | 30 | $27,102 | 54% |
| Lafayette, LA | $23,700 | 350 | $27,176 | 70% |
| Alexandria, LA | $23,580 | 60 | $27,519 | 52% |
| Houma, LA | $23,550 | 80 | $27,672 | 66% |
| Monroe, LA | $23,260 | 80 | $27,824 | 61% |
What the median hairstylist salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $35,790 |
| Month | $2,983 |
| Every two weeks | $1,377 |
| Week | $688 |
| Hour | $17.21 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a hairstylist: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +7.7% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 73,400 |
| Self-employed | 48.1% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare worker | $34,980 | High school diploma |
| Esthetician | $45,330 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Personal trainer | $47,160 | High school diploma |
| Nail tech | $35,760 | Postsecondary certificate |
| Embalmer | $58,780 | Associate's degree |
| Funeral director | $55,010 | Associate's degree |
Questions about hairstylist pay
How much does a hairstylist make an hour?
The median is $17.21 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $13.00 and the top 10% over $34.23.
How much does a hairstylist make a month?
About $2,983 a month before taxes at the median salary of $35,790, or $1,377 every two weeks.
What state pays hairstylists the most?
Washington, with a median of $59,510. Oregon ($57,580), the District of Columbia ($54,570), South Dakota ($49,800) and Vermont ($48,650) follow.
Where do hairstylists make the most after cost of living?
South Dakota: its median of $49,800 is worth $56,217 at typical US prices. Oregon, Washington and Vermont come next.
How much do entry-level hairstylists make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of hairstylists earn under $27,040 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $30,120, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a hairstylist?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 39-5012 (Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.