Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Job outlook for hair dressers in the United States
Hair dresser job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected hair dresser job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 65,000 new jobs for hair dressers are projected over the next decade.
Hair dresser salaries have increased 13% for hair dressers in the last 5 years.
There are over 82,775 hair dressers currently employed in the United States.
There are 42,777 active hair dresser job openings in the US.
The average hair dresser salary is $36,852.
Are hair dresser jobs in demand?
Hair Dresser job and salary trends over time
Hair Dresser jobs over time
Hair Dresser job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82,775 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 87,531 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 111,714 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 109,182 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 101,859 | 0.03% |
Average hair dresser salary over time
Hair Dresser salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,852 | $17.72 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $35,116 | $16.88 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | $33,285 | $16.00 | --0.5% |
| 2022 | $33,447 | $16.08 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $32,653 | $15.70 | +2.5% |
Hair Dresser jobs by state
Most common states for hair dressers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 457 | 7% |
| 2 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 583 | 6% |
| 3 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 321 | 6% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 80 | 6% |
| 5 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 560 | 5% |
| 6 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 350 | 5% |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 199 | 5% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 153 | 5% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 87 | 5% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 51 | 5% |
| 11 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 298 | 4% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 265 | 4% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 252 | 4% |
| 14 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 212 | 4% |
| 15 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 192 | 4% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 138 | 4% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 132 | 4% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 46 | 4% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 37 | 4% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
Most common cities for hair dressers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chandler | 41 | 17% | $37,198 |
| 2 | Glendale | 35 | 14% | $37,217 |
| 3 | Tampa | 42 | 11% | $37,905 |
| 4 | Scottsdale | 27 | 11% | $37,225 |
| 5 | Phoenix | 91 | 6% | $37,218 |
| 6 | Las Vegas | 35 | 6% | $31,420 |
| 7 | Kansas City | 30 | 6% | $38,991 |
| 8 | Mesa | 28 | 6% | $37,200 |
| 9 | San Antonio | 68 | 5% | $32,804 |
| 10 | Austin | 46 | 5% | $32,879 |
| 11 | Indianapolis | 39 | 5% | $36,518 |
| 12 | Fort Worth | 33 | 4% | $33,063 |
| 13 | Charlotte | 30 | 4% | $36,742 |
| 14 | Denver | 29 | 4% | $46,691 |
| 15 | Oklahoma City | 28 | 4% | $31,194 |
| 16 | Houston | 59 | 3% | $32,877 |
| 17 | Dallas | 37 | 3% | $33,067 |
| 18 | San Diego | 34 | 2% | $44,133 |
Hair Dresser job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of hair dresser experts
Skyline College
Daytona State College
Daytona State College
Cleveland Community College
What general advice would you give to a Hair Dresser?
Lynsey Hemstreet: Trends change quickly in the cosmetology industry, so follow some industry pros on social media for inspiration and education. Clients will ask about new services like brow lamination or micro-extensions, and you can add new services to your menu just as soon as you can get trained. In the cosmetology industry, soft skills like communication, professionalism and customer service are always in demand. If those are your weak spots, consider taking some classes on public speaking and business. Also, don't be afraid to embrace technology. Convenience is a major selling point in this industry, and learning how to use appointment management apps can help your clients book easily and quickly.
What Hair Dresser skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lynsey Hemstreet: Don't sell yourself short! Respect the time and energy you spent going to school and honing your craft and charge what you are worth. Resist the temptation to give discounts, promotions or free services to friends and family. Have faith that people will pay you what you're worth.
What will help Hair Dressers increase their earning potential?
Lynsey Hemstreet: I recommend approaching your career with an open mind. In cosmetology school, you only get a taste of all the field has to offer. It's important to take as many professional development classes as you can to learn advanced skills like lash and hair extensions, haircolor correction, special occasion styling, makeup and advanced haircutting. Leveling up your skills helps to set you apart from other stylists and build your own niche, allowing you to charge premium prices. Don't be too eager to jump into owning your own business or renting your own chair. Assisting a more advanced stylist for a while can be a valuable experience, since you get to work side by side with an expert who has years of knowledge and a large clientele to share with you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hair Dresser job market given the pandemic?
Cynthia Vancura: My opinion the biggest trends I've seen is different applications of highlights such as full highlight to a few balayage accents in the hair. Styled with beach waves or a more natural look.
What Hair Dresser skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cynthia Vancura: I would suggest keeping up with the trends through social media, practicing on friends and family and if possible find jobs in salons as a receptionist, or any of the Beauty stores. Hair cuts and color application is a critical importance to the Cosmetology field.
What experience really stands out on Hair Dresser resumes?
Dee Gay: For someone just starting in the industry, having a social media presence, with before and after photos of their work, would be very impressive. A picture is worth a thousand words, even today.
For someone who has been in the industry, having a full book of clients is what stands out the most.
What type of skills will young Hair Dressers need?
Dee Gay: Young graduates need to have an entrepreneurial mindset. When people hear the word entrepreneur they tend to think of someone who owns a business. An entrepreneurial mindset motivates people to "go the extra mile" at work, come up with solutions, and become a leader wherever they work. These are the people who are on a path to success. They are not just coming to work, they love what they do, and it is reflected in their performance.
Besides the obvious of being able to do hair, one must possess great communication skills, be a team player, a creative thinker and problem solver, diverse, equitable-all of these would be an asset for any salon. Having these skills directly impacts the clientele numbers. Without these twenty-first century skills, the average stylist will struggle to build a good clientele list, regardless of their abilities to do hair. I like to tell our students that you do not have to be the "best" at doing hair, but you will need to have the best personality.
Charley Sain
Cosmetology Instructor, Program Coordinator for Cosmetology, Esthetics, and ManicuringCleveland Community College
Business
What general advice would you give to a Hair Dresser?
Charley Sain: My advice to a new professional would be to work hard, continue your education, and never give up. The beauty industry rapidly changes, due to modern technology, so it is imperative to continue your education and continue your professional growth. It is essential to work hard because building a clientele can be challenging, especially during these times. Do not let those challenges get you down; stay focused, and keep your eye on your goals.