How Much Does a Cosmetologist Make a Year? | Average Salaries & Earning Potential

Introduction

Cosmetology is a field of beauty that includes hairstyling, skincare, nail care, and makeup application. A cosmetologist is a professional who specializes in providing these services. With the right training and certification, cosmetologists can have rewarding careers with the opportunity to work in salons, spas, and other settings. But what kind of salary can you expect to make as a cosmetologist?

Average Cosmetologist Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cosmetologists was $25,810 in May 2019. This means that half of all cosmetologists earned more than this amount, while the other half earned less. The lowest 10 percent of earners made less than $18,430 annually, while the top 10 percent of earners made more than $45,510 per year.

Regional Breakdown

The average salary for cosmetologists varies from state to state. According to PayScale, the highest-paying states for cosmetologists include Nevada ($37,099), Hawaii ($36,389), New Jersey ($36,080), Washington ($35,939), and California ($34,822). On the other hand, the lowest-paying states for cosmetologists are Mississippi ($20,809), Arkansas ($21,090), Alabama ($21,234), West Virginia ($21,457), and Tennessee ($21,742).

Factors Impacting a Cosmetologist’s Salary

There are several factors that can impact a cosmetologist’s salary, including education and experience, location and demand, and specialization. Here’s a closer look at each factor:

Education and Experience

Most states require cosmetologists to obtain a license before they can practice, which requires completing an accredited program and passing a licensing exam. Most programs take between nine months and two years to complete, depending on the type of program you choose. The more education and experience you have, the higher your salary will likely be.

Location and Demand

The demand for cosmetology services varies by region, which can have an impact on salary. For example, cosmetologists in large cities tend to earn more than those in smaller towns due to the higher demand for their services. Additionally, some states may have higher demand for certain types of services, such as hair styling or makeup artistry, which can also affect salary.

Specialization

Cosmetologists can specialize in different areas such as hair styling, skincare, nails, and makeup. Specializing in one area can lead to higher salaries, as employers may be willing to pay more for someone with expertise in a particular area. Additionally, those who specialize in high-end services, such as wedding makeup or hair extensions, may be able to charge higher rates.

The Top Paying States for Cosmetologists

As mentioned above, the top five highest-paying states for cosmetologists are Nevada, Hawaii, New Jersey, Washington, and California. These states tend to have higher costs of living, which can contribute to higher salaries for cosmetologists. Additionally, many of these states have larger populations and higher demand for cosmetology services, which can also lead to higher salaries.

Increasing Your Earning Potential as a Cosmetologist

If you want to increase your earning potential as a cosmetologist, there are several steps you can take. Continuing your education and taking courses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques can help you stand out from the competition. Networking with other cosmetologists and using social media to promote your services can also help you attract new clients and increase your earnings.

Conclusion

Cosmetologists provide a variety of beauty services and have the potential to earn a good salary. The average salary for a cosmetologist is around $25,810 per year, but this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. To increase your earning potential as a cosmetologist, consider continuing your education and networking with other professionals in the field.