📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$30,586
per year
Median
$27,249
per year
Hourly
$14.7
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$20,296
25th Percentile — Junior$26,682
50th Percentile — Median$27,249
75th Percentile — Senior$41,051
90th Percentile — Top Earners$46,580
💡 Top-earning Hairdresser and Cosmetologists in Kentucky make up to $46,580 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$27.0k
2021
$27.7k
2022
$28.4k
2023
$29.1k
2024
$29.8k
2025
$30.6k
2026
📈 Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 2.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $25,692 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $25,692 -16.0% Medium
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Hairdresser and Cosmetologist Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Hairdresser and Cosmetologists. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $30,586 per year, Kentucky's Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $20,296–$26,682, while experienced Hairdresser and Cosmetologists can command $41,051–$46,580.

Looking ahead, the Hairdresser and Cosmetologist profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 2.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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 Kentucky is $30,586 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $36,850.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Hairdresser and Cosmetologists the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Hairdresser and Cosmetologist employment.
  • At $30,586/year, Kentucky Hairdresser and Cosmetologist salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $36,850/year.