As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hair Colorist in the United States is $30,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Hair Colorist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Hair Colorist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $37,203 | $3,100 | $715 | $18 |
| Average | $30,303 | $2,525 | $583 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,203 | $2,100 | $485 | $12 |
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A Hair Colorist'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 Hair Colorists. 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 Hair Colorist'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 | $37,203 | $3,100 | $715 | $18 |
| Average | $30,303 | $2,525 | $583 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,203 | $2,100 | $485 | $12 |
For a Hair Colorist, 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 55% 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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Colorists typically earn between $24,603 and $36,403 annually, with a median salary of around $29,703. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the profession.
The salary of a hair colorist typically ranges from $24,603 to $36,403 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $29,703. The cost of hair coloring services at a salon can vary based on factors like dye type and hair length, generally falling between $50 and $150 for a single-process color treatment.
Colorists typically earn between $24,603 and $36,403 annually, with a mid-salary of approximately $29,703. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location. The figures provide a clearer picture of what colorists can expect to make in their profession.
As of January 2025, Hair Colorists in New York earn between $24,603 and $36,403 annually, with a median salary of $29,703. This reflects a range of approximately $11.83 to $17.52 per hour, depending on experience and location.
The average salary for a hair colorist ranges from $24,603 to $36,403, with a mid-salary of $29,703. When tipping, remember to calculate 20% of the total service cost. For example, if your total service is $100, a $20 tip should be divided between the colorist and stylist.
While a degree is not strictly necessary to become a colorist, attending film school can provide valuable training in color correction and grading. Many colorists build a showreel to showcase their skills to potential employers. The salary for hair colorists typically ranges from $24,603 to $36,403, with a mid-salary of $29,703.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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