Salary Outlook
The Labor Department reports that hairdressers, stylists, and cosmetologists made less money in 2011 than in 2010. Two years ago, the average salary for a hairdresser was $22,760; including tips. But in 2011, most in the profession earned around $22,750. The best-paid earned approximately $41,490, while the worst-paid made less than $17,000. If you’re looking to make styling a lucrative profession, consider working in Cape Girardeau, Mo., or Charleston, S.C., where hairdressers earned more than $40,000 per year. Also keep in mind that cosmetologists working in the entertainment industry earn top salaries.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $21,680.00 |
| 2004 | $25,010.00 |
| 2006 | $25,130.00 |
| 2008 | $27,080.00 |
| 2010 | $26,510.00 |
Average Hairdresser Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
Hairdresser is one of the few jobs on our list of Best Social Services Jobs where workers can earn tips. But even with the extra income, stylists are one of the lowest-paid professions on our list. They have a salary that's comparable with security guards, teacher assistants, and janitors. Recreation and fitness workers are also often charged with helping improve a client's physical appearance (for example, a fitness trainer or a Pilates instructor), and they make more per year than many hairdressers. Landscapers and groundskeepers also make slightly more.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Recreation & Fitness Worker | $31,030.00 |
| Security Guard | $23,900.00 |
| Teacher Assistant | $23,580.00 |
| Landscaper & Groundskeeper | $23,410.00 |
| Hairdresser | $22,570.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Hairdressers
The highest paid in the hairdresser profession work in the metropolitan areas of Cape Girardeau, MT, Charleston, SC, and San Francisco, CA. The Seattle, WA area also pays well, as does the city of Boulder, CO.
Cape Girardeau, MT
Average Salary: $41,620 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a hairdresser working in Cape Girardeau, MT is $41,620, which is $19,050 more than the average pay in the profession.
Charleston, SC
Average Salary: $41,550 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a hairdresser working in Charleston, SC is $41,550, which is $18,980 more than the average pay in the profession.
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $41,040 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a hairdresser working in San Francisco, CA is $41,040, which is $18,470 more than the average pay in the profession.
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $37,610 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a hairdresser working in Seattle, WA is $37,610, which is $15,040 more than the average pay in the profession.
Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $37,610 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a hairdresser working in Boulder, CO is $37,610, which is $15,040 more than the average pay in the profession.
