Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists Pay Range in California
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$35,360
- 25th Percentile — Junior$36,600
- 50th Percentile — Median$38,660
- 75th Percentile — Senior$49,030
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$68,640
Half of Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in California earn more than $38,660. The top 10% make $68,640 or more, while entry-level workers start around $35,360.
Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in California: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- California ranks 12th of 50 states for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists pay, at $48,290 per year (9.8% above the U.S. average of $43,960).
- 27,080 people work as Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in California — 8.9% of all U.S. Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs.
- Location quotient 0.76: Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs are less concentrated in California than in the U.S. overall.
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $35,360; the top 10% earn over $68,640.
- Hourly equivalent: $23.22 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $70,320.
- Among personal services jobs in California, Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors pays the most ($62,890).
Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation
California's key industries are Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture, and its job market is rated very strong. Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists here earn $48,290 on average, placing the state 12th nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.42 (U.S. = 1.00), a California salary of $48,290 is roughly equivalent to $34,007 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Massachusetts ($49,700), Connecticut ($49,130), Maine ($48,760) are the closest alternatives for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Personal Services Jobs in California
Related career salary benchmarks
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $62,890/yr California +30.2% vs this role
- Skincare Specialists $49,910/yr California +3.4% vs this role
- Travel Guides $49,180/yr California +1.8% vs this role
- Barbers $47,720/yr California 1.2% vs this role
- Recreation Workers $43,530/yr California 9.9% vs this role
- Childcare Workers $42,790/yr California 11.4% vs this role
- Animal Caretakers $42,730/yr California 11.5% vs this role
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $39,730/yr California 17.7% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists salary in California?
The average Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists salary in California is $48,290 per year (median $38,660), which is 9.8% above the national average of $43,960.
How does California rank for Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists pay?
California ranks 12th out of 50 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($70,320/yr).
How much do entry-level Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists make in California?
The lowest-paid 10% of Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists in California earn about $35,360 per year and the 25th percentile is $36,600.
How much do Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists make per hour in California?
About $23.22 per hour, based on the $48,290 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
How many Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists work in California?
BLS counts 27,080 Hairdressers Hairstylists and Cosmetologists jobs in California (OEWS May 2025).
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