As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetologist in the United States is $30,501 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Cosmetologist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Cosmetologist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $37,401 | $3,117 | $719 | $18 |
| Average | $30,501 | $2,542 | $587 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,301 | $2,108 | $487 | $12 |
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A Cosmetologist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Cosmetologists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Understanding how a Cosmetologist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $37,401 | $3,117 | $719 | $18 |
| Average | $30,501 | $2,542 | $587 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,301 | $2,108 | $487 | $12 |
For a Cosmetologist, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Spa Guest Services Assistant Manager - Casino role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $47,000 - a projected growth of 54% over your current level.
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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