What Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs"; "Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors"; "Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles"; "Schedule client appointments"; "Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award.
Job outlook for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 595,000 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 640,900 in 2035, an increase of 45,900 jobs (+7.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 73,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 12.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 48.1% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,790, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn the most
Across the 8 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $33,854 in Illinois to $40,820 in California, a gap of $6,966 (1.21 times). 6 of those 8 states average above the BLS national median of $35,790 and 2 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 40,510, which is 21.4% of the 189,550 counted across them. New York follows with 31,830.
Highest-paying states
California ($40,820), Delaware ($37,125) and Maryland ($36,977) lead the ranking, while Illinois ($33,854) and Indiana ($34,113) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists: pay against the cost of living
We compare 9 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $7,763. The weakest market is Kings County, NY, where the basics cost $11,116 more than take-home pay.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 5 of the 9 markets and falls short in 4. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 49.2% and 110.0% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (39-5000) include Manicurists and Pedicurists.
Frequently asked questions about Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $35,790. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $33,854 to $40,820.
Which state pays Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $40,820. Delaware is next at $37,125.
Is Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 7.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 73,400 openings a year.
What education do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, according to BLS.
Where can Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $7,763 on a median wage of $34,260.