How much does a hairstylist make?
a year · about $17 an hour
A typical hairstylist in the United States makes $35,790 a year, about $17 an hour, below a typical US worker ($50,980) (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They greet a client, look at their hair, and talk through a style before shampooing, cutting, coloring, or blow-drying it. Between appointments, they disinfect their tools; evenings and weekends can be busy.
Did you know? Some U.S. salons donate hair clippings that are made into mats to soak up oil pollution in storm drains and waterways.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $27,040 and $71,190How do you become one?
In the U.S., complete an approved cosmetology or hairstyling course and pass your state licensing exam; some states offer apprenticeships. Starting ages vary: Arizona allows a route from 16 with school credits, while California requires 17.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., everyone needs a state license, but experience, extra training, and sought-after styles can help a hairstylist earn more. Location, salon versus retail work, and part-time or full-time hours matter too; busy shifts, tips, and a strong reputation that brings repeat clients can change earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($59,510), lowest in Louisiana ($26,030).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a hairstylist averages $25,901. Hairstylist salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $27,040 | $35,790 | $71,190 | about 306,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $59,510 | about 7,000 |
| Oregon | $57,580 | about 2,000 |
| South Dakota | $49,800 | about 690 |
| Connecticut | $44,620 | about 4,000 |
| Maine | $44,000 | about 970 |
Official definition: Provide beauty services, such as cutting, coloring, and styling hair, and massaging and treating scalp. May shampoo hair, apply makeup, dress wigs, remove hair, and provide nail and skincare services. Excludes “Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance” (39-5091), “Manicurists and Pedicurists” (39-5092), and “Skincare Specialists” (39-5094).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologist
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-5012.00
- www.azleg.gov/ars/32/00511.htm
- www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/license_requirements.shtml
- matteroftrust.org/clean-wave-program
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY