When most people think of a hairstylist, they think of someone who cuts and styles hair for a living. However, there is much more to being a successful hairstylist than simply knowing how to use a pair of scissors. In addition to being creative and knowledgeable about the latest trends, a good hairstylist must also be able to interact well with clients and make them feel comfortable in the salon.
Of course, one of the most important aspects of being a hairstylist is being able to generate a steady stream of income, and you’re probably here because you want to learn what to expect from a hairstylist’s salary. Fortunately, with the right mix of talent and hustle, it is possible to earn a good living working in this field. On this page, we’ll dive into the details of a career as a hairstylist and talk about the factors that determine a hairdresser’s salary.
How to become a hairstylist
To become a hairstylist, it is important to obtain the proper education and training. Most hairstylists complete a cosmetology program at a vocational school or community college. These programs typically last for about nine months to one year. During the program, students learn about hair care, haircutting, color theory, and much more.
After completing a hair school program, hairstylists must obtain a license from their state’s cosmetology board. This typically requires passing some mandatory exams. Most states have a theory exam, which is written, and a practical exam where you have to demonstrate your skills on a live subject or a mannequin. If you pass both tests, you’ll just need to finish your paperwork and pay your licensing fees. Once licensed, they can begin working with clients.
Many hairstylists start their careers by working in a salon before eventually opening their own businesses.
Learn more about how to become a hairstylist.
How do hairstylists get paid?
There are a variety of ways that hairstylists can earn income. The most common is through a salary or hourly wage. However, some stylists also receive commissions based on the services they provide or the products they sell. In addition, tips are often a significant source of income for hairstylists.
Most stylists rely on a combination of these sources of income to make a living. For example, a stylist who works in a salon may receive an hourly wage plus a commission on services and product sales. Tips can vary significantly based on the location and type of salon, but they can add a significant amount to a stylist’s income.
Regardless of the mix of income sources, hairstylists need to be good at their craft to be successful in making a living.
Average hourly salary for a hairstylist
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly salary for hairstylists in the United States is $17.30. The median average hourly pay is lower than the average, however, as that comes in at $14.26.
Average annual salary of a hairstylist
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for a hairstylist in the U.S. is $35,990. Again, the median yearly number is lower here at only $29,670. Salary.com’s data is similar, as they have a median salary of $28,140.
While those numbers may not blow your doors off, the earning potential at the high end of the profession is attractive, with the top 75% of earners making $38,790 or more per year, and the top 10% making $59,070 or more.
| Mean hourly wage | Mean annual wage |
|---|---|
| $ 17.30 | $ 35,990 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes395012.htm#nat
Average hairstylist pay by state
| State | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $16.04 | $33,370 |
| Alaska | $13.87 | $28,860 |
| Arizona | $19.55 | $40,660 |
| Arkansas | $14.94 | $31,080 |
| California | $18.65 | $38,790 |
| Colorado | $17.88 | $37,190 |
| Connecticut | $16.91 | $35,180 |
| Delaware | $17.62 | $36,650 |
| District of Columbia | $34.87 | $72,530 |
| Florida | $16.19 | $33,680 |
| Georgia | $17.99 | $37,420 |
| Guam | $10.18 | $21,170 |
| Hawaii | $20.85 | $43,370 |
| Idaho | $14.18 | $29,500 |
| Illinois | $20.51 | $42,660 |
| Indiana | $15.06 | $31,320 |
| Iowa | $15.79 | $32,850 |
| Kansas | $15.93 | $33,130 |
| Kentucky | $12.40 | $25,790 |
| Louisiana | $13.35 | $27,760 |
| Maine | $16.27 | $33,850 |
| Maryland | $18.96 | $39,440 |
| Massachusetts | $21.27 | $44,240 |
| Michigan | $21.19 | $44,070 |
| Minnesota | $17.47 | $36,340 |
| Mississippi | $13.96 | $29,040 |
| Missouri | $17.51 | $36,420 |
| Montana | $14.61 | $30,380 |
| Nebraska | $18.22 | $37,890 |
| Nevada | $12.78 | $26,580 |
| New Hampshire | $16.42 | $34,140 |
| New Jersey | $18.93 | $39,370 |
| New Mexico | $12.63 | $26,280 |
| New York | $19.39 | $40,330 |
| North Carolina | $16.77 | $34,880 |
| North Dakota | $17.13 | $35,630 |
| Ohio | $15.26 | $31,750 |
| Oklahoma | $13.28 | $27,630 |
| Oregon | $15.81 | $32,880 |
| Pennsylvania | $16.54 | $34,400 |
| Puerto Rico | $11.23 | $23,370 |
| Rhode Island | $15.71 | $32,680 |
| South Carolina | $14.21 | $29,570 |
| South Dakota | $16.28 | $33,870 |
| Tennessee | $16.60 | $34,540 |
| Texas | $14.27 | $29,680 |
| Utah | $13.91 | $28,920 |
| Vermont | $13.59 | $28,270 |
| Virginia | $17.98 | $37,400 |
| Washington | $20.96 | $43,590 |
| West Virginia | $14.66 | $30,500 |
| Wisconsin | $15.37 | $31,970 |
| Wyoming | $13.36 | $27,790 |
Top paying metro areas for hairstylists
The top ten paying metro areas for hairstylists are listed below.
| City | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalamazoo-Portage, MI | $25.78 | $53,630 | $46,860 | $142,140 |
| Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $25.71 | $53,470 | $48,130 | $149,050 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $25.30 | $52,630 | $58,970 | $76,810 |
| Muskegon, MI | $23.80 | $49,500 | $44,630 | $141,040 |
| Upper Peninsula of Michigan nonmetropolitan area | $22.67 | $47,150 | $44,980 | $140,990 |
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | $22.48 | $46,750 | $59,430 | $75,470 |
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | $22.25 | $46,290 | $49,670 | $62,730 |
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $22.15 | $46,070 | $45,340 | $144,980 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $21.83 | $45,400 | $47,680 | $74,070 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $21.62 | $44,960 | $53,720 | $74,030 |
The ten lowest-paying metro areas are as follows.
| City | Hourly mean wage | Annual mean wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monroe, LA | $11.88 | $24,700 | $28,100 | $35,530 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | $11.71 | $24,350 | $27,920 | $35,050 |
| South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $11.69 | $24,310 | $29,890 | $37,240 |
| Owensboro, KY | $11.67 | $24,280 | $28,740 | $34,940 |
| Bowling Green, KY | $11.66 | $24,250 | $29,090 | $35,990 |
| Ponce, PR | $11.57 | $24,060 | $29,340 | $37,040 |
| West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $11.52 | $23,960 | $30,130 | $36,940 |
| San Juan-Carolina-Caguas, PR | $11.12 | $23,130 | $24,000 | $35,870 |
| East Kentucky nonmetropolitan area | $11.05 | $22,990 | $28,310 | $37,200 |
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | $9.67 | $20,120 | $18,800 | $23,770 |
How to increase your earning potential
As a hairdresser, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your earning potential.
It is important to keep up with the latest trends. Read magazines and watch videos to see what styles are popular, and attend continuing education courses to learn how to execute them. It is also helpful to develop a strong relationship with your clients. Get to know them and their style preferences, and be sure to provide excellent service that leaves them looking and feeling good.
You should also consider offering additional services such as color consultations or makeup applications. By expanding your skill set, you will be able to attract new clients and retain existing ones. These are just a few ways in which you can earn more than the average salary for hairdressers in your area.
Job outlook for hairstylists
From 2021 through 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates there will be 11% growth for hairstylist jobs. This beats the national average of 5%.
The demand for hairstylists will be driven by a growing population and an increase in the number of people who are willing to pay for hair care services. In addition, many hairstylists will retire over the next decade, creating even more job openings.
Although competition for jobs will be strong, those who have formal training and keep up with the latest trends in hair styling will have the best chances of finding employment. So if you’re thinking of becoming a hairstylist, now is a great time to start your career!
More questions?
Becoming a hairstylist is a bit of a process. If you have more questions about cosmetology school or the additional skills you’ll need to succeed in the beauty industry, check out our hairstylist FAQ page to learn more.
