Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $63,318 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $62,092 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $58,007 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $56,373 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $53,922 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $53,105 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $52,288 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $51,062 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $49,837 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $46,978 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $46,978 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $46,569 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $45,752 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $44,935 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $44,935 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $44,118 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $42,892 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $42,892 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $41,667 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $41,667 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $40,850 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $40,850 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $40,442 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $40,442 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $40,033 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $38,808 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $38,808 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $37,990 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $37,990 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $37,990 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $37,582 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $37,582 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $37,174 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $36,765 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $35,948 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $35,540 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $35,540 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $35,540 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $35,131 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $34,722 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $34,722 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $34,314 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $33,906 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $33,906 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $32,680 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $31,863 | -22.0% | High |
A Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists'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 Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologistss typically earn $27,504–$35,398 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $53,159–$59,800 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 Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists role currently has high demand in the job market with a 3.0% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Personal Services sector.
-
What is the average salary for a Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists?The average salary for a Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in the United States is $40,850 per year, with a median of $36,830.
-
What is the starting salary for a Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists?Entry-level Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologistss typically earn between $27,504 and $35,398 per year depending on location and employer.
-
What state pays Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologistss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologistss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
-
How much does a Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $40,850, a Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists earns approximately $19.64 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
-
Is Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists a good career in 2026?Yes — the Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists role has high demand with 3.0% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.