Median hourly wages for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists, including tips and commission, are $11.21. The middle 50 percent earn between $8.79 and $15.12. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $7.68, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $20.79.
The median hourly wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was $16.81 in May 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.31, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $30.44.
Salary Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), barbers had a median annual income of $29,970 in May 2021. Barbers in the top-paid 10 percent earned upwards of $53,260 or more annually. Those in the bottom-paid 10 percent earned $22,430 or less annually.
Payscale reports that cosmetologists typically earn anywhere from $16,195 to $46,917 annually, with experienced, senior-level cosmetologists earning at the top of that pay range.
Demand for Personal Care Professionals
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is expected to grow by 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
One of the biggest hurdles in cosmetology school is learning diverse skills. You'll cover everything from: Hair Techniques: Precision is crucial when learning intricate haircutting, advanced coloring techniques, or complex styling. Every small detail counts.
$32,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $50,500 is the 75th percentile.
The terms barber, hairdresser, and hair stylist are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences in their meaning. Technically, a hairdresser is the same as a hair stylist, although the term “hairdresser” is a bit out of fashion and was used primarily to refer to females.
Meet Ramesh Babu, India's barber-turned-billionaire with a fleet of 400 luxury cars – A look at his luxurious lifestyle and Rs 1200 crore net worth.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 89,400 openings for barbers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
The highest cosmetology degree available is an associate degree, usually offered by private beauty schools and community and technical colleges. However, those with an associate degree in cosmetology can go on to earn a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as business or hospitality management.
According to Salary.com, the average salary of a cosmetologist in the United States is between $20,000 and $30,000 per year. This figure varies depending on education, certifications, skills, and experience. The average hourly pay for a cosmetologist is $15.35, with a range of $6.73 to $27.88.
Careers in health care, law, education and entrepreneurship remain the most desirable, thanks to their mix of stability, ambition and caregiving qualities. And while salaries and effort vary, one thing's for sure: a strong sense of purpose and drive can be just as attractive as the job itself.
Physical Strain and Health Concerns
Cosmetologists often spend long hours on their feet, perform repetitive hand movements, and are exposed to various chemicals. This can lead to fatigue, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and allergic reactions.
According to industry data, the versatility in services offered by cosmetologists often translates to diverse income opportunities. According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a cosmetologist is $23.74 per hour in United States – around $8 more on average than an esthetician.
Additionally, a nurse has an average salary of $57,564, which is higher than the $38,221 average annual salary of a hair stylist. The top three skills for a hair stylist include cosmetology, clips and kids. The most important skills for a nurse are patients, home health, and CPR.
The following list highlights some of the health risks cosmetologists could face on the job: Exposure to hazardous chemicals. Risk of infection. Repetitive motion injuries. Burns/cuts/scratches.
Cosmetologists provide a broad range of services to treat and beautify hair, nails, and skin. Many go on to become hairstylists, hair colorists, barbers, or makeup artists. While they can provide basic skin services, they do not offer advanced treatments like microdermabrasion or chemical peels.