Cosmetology Program Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Cosmetology Program Director make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Cosmetology Program Director in the United States is $64,686 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

However, a Cosmetology Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,094
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $55,006 to $73,274
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $46,192

Key Factors That Influence Cosmetology Program Director Salaries

A Cosmetology Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Cosmetology Program Director Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Cosmetology Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $71,620.
  • California: $71,348.
  • Massachusetts: $70,397.

Top Paying Cities for Cosmetology Program Directors

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:

  • San Jose: $81,588
  • San Francisco: $80,695
  • Oakland: $78,994

What Skills Can Increase a Cosmetology Program Director's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 12.22% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Tutoring (Mentioned in 2.14% Job Postings): A Tutor is responsible for helping students learn and understand new concepts and complete assignments.
  • First Aid (Mentioned in 1.42% Job Postings): First aid refers to medical attention that is usually administered immediately after the injury occurs and at the location where it occurred.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 12.22%
Tutoring 2.14%
First Aid 1.42%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Cosmetology Program Director's salary.

  • Safety Standards: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Law Enforcement: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Curriculum Development: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Safety Standards $73,095
13%
Law Enforcement $73,095
13%
Curriculum Development $67,920
5%

How Education impacts a Cosmetology Program Director's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Cosmetology Program Directors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Cosmetology Program Director with a Bachelor's Degree is between $60,737 and $68,749).

Cosmetology Program Director Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Cosmetology Program Director
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 14.3%
High School 14.3%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 28.6%
Masters 28.6%
Doctorate 28.6%

Cosmetology Program Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Cosmetology Program Director'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.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$55,006
Average $64,686/year
$73,274
$4,584
Average $5,390/month
$6,106
$1,058
Average $1,244/week
$1,409
$26
Average $31/hour
$35
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $73,274 $6,106 $1,409 $35
Average $64,686 $5,390 $1,244 $31
25th Percentile $55,006 $4,584 $1,058 $26

Most common benefits for Cosmetology Program Director

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Cosmetology Program Director

Here are companies hiring for Cosmetology Program Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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