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Cosmetologist: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$35,790median pay per year, or $17.21 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $27,040lowest 10% earn less
  2. $30,12025th percentile
  3. $35,790median
  4. $48,83075th percentile
  5. $71,190top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

BLS lists cosmetologists with hairdressers and hairstylists, and the median wage was $35,790 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
+7.7%[2]
Openings per year
73,400[5]
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award[6]

How much do cosmetologists make?

The median wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $35,790 a year, or $17.21 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was higher, at $43,960 a year, or $21.13 an hour[7].

The pay range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $27,040, and the lowest-paid 25% earned less than $30,120[3]. The highest-paid 25% earned more than $48,830, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $71,190[3]. By the hour, those same marks were $13.00, $14.48, $23.48 and $34.23[8]. These are boundaries between groups of workers. BLS does not publish a starting salary[9].

For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980[4]. So the cosmetologist median was below it.

Measure Annual wage Source
Median[1] $35,790
Average[7] $43,960
All occupations median[4] $50,980

These wages cover people paid a wage or salary. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits[10].

Pay by state and city

Washington had the highest state median at $59,510, followed by Oregon at $57,580 and the District of Columbia at $54,570[11]. Louisiana had the lowest listed median, at $26,030[11].

The most jobs were in California (27,080), Florida (23,530), Texas (22,440), New York (20,740) and Pennsylvania (19,350)[12]. Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Corvallis, OR had the highest median at $61,880, then Bellingham, WA at $61,820 and Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA at $61,440[13].

The New York-Newark-Jersey City area had the most jobs, at 27,660, with a median of $36,120[14]. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim had 10,910 jobs and a median of $43,500[14].

Show median pay in 49 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
Washington[11]$59,5106,930
Oregon$57,5801,860
District of Columbia$54,570870
South Dakota$49,800690
Vermont$48,650440
Connecticut$44,6204,090
Maine$44,000970
Minnesota$39,1705,320
California$38,66027,080
North Carolina$38,4108,490
Montana$38,000690
New Mexico$37,7501,230
Colorado$37,6906,820
Massachusetts$37,2909,600
Arizona$36,8107,840
Pennsylvania$36,79019,350
Maryland$36,4205,860
Ohio$36,26012,890
Wisconsin$36,2306,260
New Jersey$36,15015,500
New York$35,76020,740
Iowa$35,7002,930
Idaho$35,4802,250
Utah$35,1402,810
Hawaii$35,040930
North Dakota$34,850870
Michigan$34,8208,970
New Hampshire$34,6501,950
Georgia$34,5607,910
West Virginia$34,4801,020
Delaware$34,3501,270
Nebraska$34,3201,890
Illinois$34,04013,190
Nevada$33,8401,940
South Carolina$33,7003,570
Indiana$32,8305,920
Alaska$32,150330
Tennessee$31,3106,080
Rhode Island$31,2001,470
Missouri$30,7505,430
Texas$30,68022,440
Kentucky$29,8402,350
Kansas$29,7102,190
Oklahoma$29,6501,920
Florida$29,53023,530
Wyoming$29,170360
Alabama$29,1503,300
Arkansas$28,8301,410
Mississippi$27,5601,040
Louisiana$26,0302,720

How to become a cosmetologist

BLS says every state requires a license for this work[15]. Its handbook profile covers a wider group of occupations than this page, so the training details below describe that group[16].

Program length and cost are not in our data. The program leads to a postsecondary nondegree award, and BLS lists no work experience or on-the-job training as typical[6]. Rules differ by state. Some states let training count toward a barbering license, and a few combine the two licenses[20]. A licensed worker moving to another state may be helped by reciprocity agreements, so check with the state licensing agency[21]. Licenses may also need continuing education when renewed[20].

What cosmetologists do

O*NET describes the job as providing beauty services such as cutting, coloring and styling hair, and treating the scalp[22]. Some workers also do makeup, wigs, hair removal, nails and skincare[22]. Common tasks include:

BLS lists skills such as creativity, customer service, listening, stamina and tidiness as important[24][25][26][27][28].

Where they work

Most work in barbershops or salons. Some work in spas, hotels or resorts[29]. Some rent booth space from a salon owner, and others run a salon or open their own shop after years of experience[29].

Self-employment is common. In 2025, 48.1% of hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists were self-employed[30]. Workers are on their feet for most of a shift, and chemicals may irritate skin, so gloves or aprons are often worn[31]. Most work full time, and part-time work is common[32]. Schedules often include evenings and weekends[32]. Self-employed owners may have long days but usually set their own schedules[32].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 595,000 to 640,900 jobs, a change of 45,900[2]. For all occupations, the projected growth is 3.5%[33]. These counts include self-employed workers[2]. The OEWS count of 305,710 jobs covers wage and salary workers only[34].

About 73,400 openings are projected each year on average[5]. That figure includes jobs left by people who retire or change occupations, as well as new jobs[5]. Each year, 5.1% of workers leave the labor force and 6.1% move to a different occupation[35].

Is it a good fit?

The median wage is below the all-occupations median, but the range is wide, and the top 10% earned more than $71,190[1][4][3]. Pay also varies by state[11]. A license is required in every state, and it means finishing an approved program and passing an exam[15]. Job growth is faster than the all-occupations rate, with many openings each year[2][33][5]. About half of workers are self-employed, which may suit people who want to run their own business[30]. Pay figures here leave out self-employment income and the cost of benefits[10].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cosmetologist make an hour?
The median wage was $17.21 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $21.13[1][7].
Do you need a license to be a cosmetologist?
BLS says all states require a license, usually after a state-approved program and an exam[15].
Is cosmetology in demand?
Employment is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, against 3.5% for all occupations, with about 73,400 openings a year[2][33][5].
What is the highest paying state for cosmetologists?
Washington, with a median of $59,510, followed by Oregon at $57,580[11].
What education do you need to be a cosmetologist?
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education[6].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in the US was $35,790 per year and $17.21 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists is projected to grow 7.7% from 2025 to 2035, from about 595,000 to 640,900 jobs (a change of +45,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: 10th percentile $27,040, 25th percentile $30,120, 75th percentile $48,830, 90th percentile $71,190. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 73,400 openings for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists was $43,960 per year and $21.13 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: 10th percentile $13.00, 25th percentile $14.48, 75th percentile $23.48, 90th percentile $34.23. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists jobs: California 27,080; Florida 23,530; Texas 22,440; New York 20,740; Pennsylvania 19,350. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists (areas with at least 100 jobs): Corvallis, OR $61,880; Bellingham, WA $61,820; Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA $61,440; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $59,810; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $59,610; Burlington-South Burlington, VT $58,740; Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA $58,150; Salem, OR $50,960. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 27,660 (median $36,120); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 12,000 (median $34,260); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 10,910 (median $43,500); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 9,960 (median $37,320); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 7,870 (median $37,430); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 7,010 (median $37,020). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Barbers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists" covers Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET description of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. O*NET OnLine
  23. O*NET task list for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists. O*NET OnLine
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. BLS Employment Projections: 48.1% of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 305,710 people were employed as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: 5.1% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.