Explore Jobs
Find Specific Jobs
Explore Careers
Explore Professions
Best Companies
Explore Companies
Job outlook for hairstylist/cosmetologists in the United States
Hairstylist/cosmetologist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected hairstylist/cosmetologist job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 65,000 new jobs for hairstylist/cosmetologists are projected over the next decade.
Hairstylist/cosmetologist salaries have increased 13% for hairstylist/cosmetologists in the last 5 years.
There are over 149,018 hairstylist/cosmetologists currently employed in the United States.
There are 43,193 active hairstylist/cosmetologist job openings in the US.
The average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary is $36,770.
Are hairstylist/cosmetologist jobs in demand?
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist job and salary trends over time
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist jobs over time
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 149,018 | 0.04% |
| 2020 | 157,580 | 0.05% |
| 2019 | 201,116 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 196,557 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 183,373 | 0.06% |
Average hairstylist/cosmetologist salary over time
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,770 | $17.68 | +4.9% |
| 2024 | $35,038 | $16.85 | +5.5% |
| 2023 | $33,212 | $15.97 | --0.5% |
| 2022 | $33,373 | $16.04 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | $32,580 | $15.66 | +2.5% |
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist jobs by state
Most common states for hairstylist/cosmetologists
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 457 | 7% |
| 2 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 588 | 6% |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 78 | 6% |
| 4 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 565 | 5% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 349 | 5% |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 312 | 5% |
| 7 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 199 | 5% |
| 8 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 154 | 5% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 87 | 5% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 51 | 5% |
| 11 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 533 | 4% |
| 12 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 450 | 4% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 271 | 4% |
| 14 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 257 | 4% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 211 | 4% |
| 16 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 178 | 4% |
| 17 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 138 | 4% |
| 18 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 73 | 4% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 37 | 4% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 21 | 4% |
Most common cities for hairstylist/cosmetologists
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attleboro | 5 | 11% | $42,211 |
| 2 | Drexel Hill | 2 | 7% | $36,371 |
| 3 | Chester | 2 | 6% | $36,371 |
| 4 | Cumberland | 2 | 6% | $37,056 |
| 5 | Dartmouth | 2 | 6% | $42,323 |
| 6 | Franklin Town | 2 | 6% | $42,166 |
| 7 | East Providence | 2 | 4% | $37,137 |
| 8 | Haverford | 2 | 4% | $36,377 |
| 9 | Cranston | 2 | 2% | $37,209 |
| 10 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $38,609 |
Hairstylist/Cosmetologist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of hairstylist/cosmetologist experts
Skyline College
Daytona State College
Daytona State College
Professional Beauty Association
Guilford Technical Community College
Cleveland Community College
What general advice would you give to a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist?
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 Hairstylist/Cosmetologist 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 Hairstylist/Cosmetologists 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 Hairstylist/Cosmetologist 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 general advice would you give to a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist?
Cynthia Vancura: Continuing education is a must, conducting professionalism at all times and having confidence in yourself to express your creativity.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Hairstylist/Cosmetologist 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.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hairstylist/Cosmetologists?
Dee Gay: I do believe that the coronavirus pandemic will have an enduring impact on graduates. Whether we like it or not, this is the new "norm" that we will continue to live in. In salons, we have always practiced sanitation and disinfection since we work so closely with the public, and this practice will continue and evolve as we continue to learn more new ways to make sure that we keep people safe and healthy.
What type of skills will young Hairstylist/Cosmetologists 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.
What experience really stands out on Hairstylist/Cosmetologist 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 general advice would you give to a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist?
Amy Denoon: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of personal appearance jobs is projected to increase 9 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is nearly double the projected 5 percent growth in total U.S. employment during the same period. The number of manicurist and pedicurist jobs is projected to rise 10 percent.
The nation's salon and spa industry provides first jobs and career opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, and has a broader representation of women and minorities than the overall U.S. workforce. In fact, eighty-three percent of individuals in personal appearance occupations are women, compared to 47 percent of employed individuals in the overall U.S. workforce.
Not only do salons and spas provide employment opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, they also give individuals the experience to own businesses of their own. 74% of all salon businesses are owned by women, compared to just 36% of businesses in the overall private sector. And 33% of businesses in the salon industry are Black or African-American-owned, 19% Asian-owned, and 11% are owned by individuals of Hispanic origin.
Given these statistics from PBA's most recent 2020 State of the Salon Industry Report, we believe that there is much growth opportunity for this segment moving forward.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hairstylist/Cosmetologists?
Kathy Grant: I see greater respect for the industry, due to shutdowns. However, many small salons and businesses are being impacted negatively. The most significant impact will be experienced with live clients. Graduates will need to seek out mentoring or continuing education to be at the top of their game upon licensure.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Hairstylist/Cosmetologists in the next 3-5 years?
Kathy Grant: The technology of hair color is taking a turn toward safer ingredients.
Also, online scheduling through Social Media will become much
more prevalent.
What general advice would you give to a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist?
Kathy Grant: Research salons and make sure that you pick one that is willing to help advance and improve on the skills you have acquired in school. Continuing education should be relevant to them. Don't be afraid to start as an assistant. Make sure the salon is a good fit for you financially. Some salons offer hourly pay while others offer commission or booth rent. And lastly, there are so many directions you can go in with your degree. You are not limited to working in a salon behind a chair.
Charley Sain
Cosmetology Instructor, Program Coordinator for Cosmetology, Esthetics, and ManicuringCleveland Community College
Business
What general advice would you give to a Hairstylist/Cosmetologist?
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.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Hairstylist/Cosmetologists in the next 3-5 years?
Charley Sain: The most important technology is online scheduling systems and social media. Online booking is rapidly growing in popularity because it eliminates scheduling wait times and allows clients to schedule at their convenience. Social media is a constant in our lives, and it is a great way to advertise, if you do it right. Professionals must learn how to promote their business appropriately and effectively.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Hairstylist/Cosmetologists?
Charley Sain: I believe there could be a slight impact on future professionals due to the pandemic, but they will persevere, if they stay dedicated and follow all guidelines set forth by their governing board. People love and need to get beauty services, so I do not believe the impact will last. I also think that the pandemic will prepare these professionals for future challenges in our industry, and make them more reliable professionals.