Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · Medium Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $57,118 | +55.0% | Medium |
| District of Columbia | $56,012 | +52.0% | Medium |
| California | $52,327 | +42.0% | Medium |
| New York | $50,853 | +38.0% | Medium |
| Alaska | $48,642 | +32.0% | Medium |
| Massachusetts | $47,905 | +30.0% | Medium |
| New Jersey | $47,168 | +28.0% | Medium |
| Washington | $46,062 | +25.0% | Medium |
| Connecticut | $44,957 | +22.0% | Medium |
| Maryland | $42,378 | +15.0% | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $42,378 | +15.0% | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $42,009 | +14.0% | Medium |
| Oregon | $41,272 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Colorado | $40,535 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Virginia | $40,535 | +10.0% | Medium |
| Vermont | $39,798 | +8.0% | Medium |
| Delaware | $38,692 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Illinois | $38,692 | +5.0% | Medium |
| Maine | $37,587 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Nevada | $37,587 | +2.0% | Medium |
| Minnesota | $36,850 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Utah | $36,850 | +0.0% | Medium |
| Arizona | $36,482 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Pennsylvania | $36,482 | -1.0% | Medium |
| Florida | $36,113 | -2.0% | Medium |
| Montana | $35,008 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Texas | $35,008 | -5.0% | Medium |
| Georgia | $34,270 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Idaho | $34,270 | -7.0% | Medium |
| Wyoming | $34,270 | -7.0% | Medium |
| North Dakota | $33,902 | -8.0% | Medium |
| Wisconsin | $33,902 | -8.0% | Medium |
| North Carolina | $33,534 | -9.0% | Medium |
| Michigan | $33,165 | -10.0% | Medium |
| Louisiana | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Nebraska | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| New Mexico | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Ohio | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| South Carolina | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Tennessee | $32,428 | -12.0% | Medium |
| Alabama | $32,060 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Missouri | $32,060 | -13.0% | Medium |
| South Dakota | $32,060 | -13.0% | Medium |
| Iowa | $31,691 | -14.0% | Medium |
| Indiana | $31,322 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Kansas | $31,322 | -15.0% | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $30,954 | -16.0% | Medium |
| Arkansas | $30,586 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Kentucky | $30,586 | -17.0% | Medium |
| Mississippi | $29,480 | -20.0% | Medium |
| West Virginia | $28,743 | -22.0% | Medium |
A Hairdresser and Cosmetologist's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level Hairdresser and Cosmetologists typically earn $24,454–$32,148 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $49,459–$56,120 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The Hairdresser and Cosmetologist role currently has medium demand in the job market with a 2.5% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Personal Services sector.
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What is the average salary for a Hairdresser and Cosmetologist?The average salary for a Hairdresser and Cosmetologist in the United States is $36,850 per year, with a median of $32,830.
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What is the starting salary for a Hairdresser and Cosmetologist?Entry-level Hairdresser and Cosmetologists typically earn between $24,454 and $32,148 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a Hairdresser and Cosmetologist make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $36,850, a Hairdresser and Cosmetologist earns approximately $17.72 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is Hairdresser and Cosmetologist a good career in 2026?Yes — the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist role has medium demand with 2.5% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.