Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in California
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California earn a median annual wage of $38,660 —8.0% above the national median of $35,790. That ranks CA #9 of 50 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is only 0.76× as concentrated as the national average — this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Highest-paying states for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists
All 50 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $59,510 | $28.61 | 6,930 | 0.99 |
| 2 | Oregon | $57,580 | $27.68 | 1,860 | 0.48 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $54,570 | $26.23 | 870 | 0.63 |
| 4 | South Dakota | $49,800 | $23.94 | 690 | 0.77 |
| 5 | Vermont | $48,650 | $23.39 | 440 | 0.73 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $44,620 | $21.45 | 4,090 | 1.23 |
| 7 | Maine | $44,000 | $21.16 | 970 | 0.77 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $39,170 | $18.83 | 5,320 | 0.92 |
| 9 | California | $38,660 | $18.59 | 27,080 | 0.76 |
| 10 | North Carolina | $38,410 | $18.47 | 8,490 | 0.87 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $40,020 | $34,980 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $39,780 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $47,160 |
| Animal Caretakers | $38,700 | $35,360 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $35,760 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make in California?
The median annual wage for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in California is $38,660, or $18.59 per hour. That is 8.0% above the national median of $35,790.
What is the entry-level hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $35,360 per year ($17.00/hour). The 25th percentile is $36,600.
How many people work as hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists in California?
About 27,080 people work in this occupation in California, or 1.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists?
California ranks #9 of 50 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is only 0.76x as concentrated as the national average, so this occupation is relatively scarce in California.
Which state pays hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists the most?
Washington has the highest median wage at $59,510 per year, followed by Oregon ($57,580) and District of Columbia ($54,570).