📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in Alabama (2026)

Alabama · 13.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$32,060
per year
Median
$28,562
per year
Hourly
$15.41
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$21,274
25th Percentile — Junior$27,968
50th Percentile — Median$28,562
75th Percentile — Senior$43,029
90th Percentile — Top Earners$48,824
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in Alabama make up to $48,824 per year. The job market in Alabama is rated moderate, with key industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.3k
2021
$29.0k
2022
$29.8k
2023
$30.5k
2024
$31.3k
2025
$32.1k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in Alabama have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Alabama's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in Alabama
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Huntsville $28,854 -10.0% Medium
Birmingham $27,572 -14.0% Medium
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in Alabama
Key factors affecting compensation

Alabama is home to a moderate job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $32,060 per year, Alabama's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Alabama (index: 0.87) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Alabama can expect to earn $21,274–$27,968, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $43,029–$48,824.

Looking ahead, the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist profession in Alabama is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salary in Alabama is $32,060 per year in 2026, which is 13.0% below the national average of $36,850.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in Alabama due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Alabama has a moderate job market with major industries in Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $32,060/year, Alabama Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 13.0% lower than the national average of $36,850/year.