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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,660
Median Annual Salary
▼
-1.8% vs 2024
$48,290
Mean Salary
$38,660
Median Salary
$18.59
Hourly Rate
27,080 people work as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California earn a median salary of $38,660 per year ($3,221/month).
This is 6.6% above the national average of $36,270.
California ranks #9 out of 50 states for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay.
Approximately 27,080 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 1.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
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.
Top Skills
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.75
Service Orientation
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.38
Active Learning
3.25
Key Knowledge Areas
Customer and Personal Service
4.43
Sales and Marketing
3.67
Administration and Management
3.01
Education and Training
2.97
English Language
2.87
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate
(79.0% of workers)
Salary Range: Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California
Salaries for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California range from $35,360 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $68,640 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $36,600 and $49,030.
Median $38,660
P10: $35,360P25: $36,600P75: $49,030P90: $68,640
10th
$35,360
25th
$36,600
Median
$38,660
75th
$49,030
90th
$68,640
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,360
$17.00
$2,946
25th Percentile
$36,600
$17.60
$3,050
Median (50th)
$38,660
$18.59
$3,221
75th Percentile
$49,030
$23.57
$4,085
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$68,640
$33.00
$5,720
Note: The mean (average) salary of $48,290 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#9
California ranks #9 of 50 states
$36,270
National avg. for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
How much do Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California is $38,660 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $48,290.
What is the salary range for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California?
Salaries for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California range from $35,360 at the 10th percentile to $68,640 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $36,600 and $49,030.
What is the starting salary for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California?
Entry-level Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists positions in California typically start around $35,360 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $36,600 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 27,080 people are employed as Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists in California is approximately $18.59 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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