📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$52,327
per year
Median
$46,619
per year
Hourly
$25.16
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,724
25th Percentile — Junior$45,650
50th Percentile — Median$46,619
75th Percentile — Senior$70,232
90th Percentile — Top Earners$79,690
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in California make up to $79,690 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$46.2k
2021
$47.4k
2022
$48.6k
2023
$49.8k
2024
$51.1k
2025
$52.3k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $81,107 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $77,444 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $90,002 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $96,805 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $56,513 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $63,839 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $75,874 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $56,513 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $74,304 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $73,258 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $66,979 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $61,746 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $81,107 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $61,746 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $58,606 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $63,839 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $60,176 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $77,444 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $83,723 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $52,327 per year, California's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $34,724–$45,650, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $70,232–$79,690.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salary in California is $52,327 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $36,850.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $52,327/year, California Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $36,850/year.