What is the Average Yearly Income of a Hair Stylist?

<h2 id="section---WhatIsAHairStylist">What is a Hair Stylist?</h2> <p>Although the monetary compensation can be modest, a job as a hair stylist may be a good choice for those who enjoy working with their hands, conversing with clients and following fashion. As a hair stylist you will inspect, wash and dry clients' hair and scalp. Based on your inspection you will recommend different hair and scalp products. Hair services you may provide include coloring, cutting and texture changing. You may discuss any of these with clients to help them determine what services they'd like. The following chart gives more information about hair styling as a career. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Training Required</b> </td><td> Licensed cosmetology program</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Cutting, styling and coloring hair; sanitizing tools; consulting with clients on beauty services</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Licensure</b> </td><td> Licensure is required by all states</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)*</b> </td><td> 19% (for all hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists)</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2020)*</b> </td><td> $27,380 (for all hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSalaryCanHairStylistsEarn">What Salary Can Hair Stylists Earn?</h3> <p>According to May 2020 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in the category of hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists was $32,740 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The median salary was $27,380 and the middle range was $21,520 to $37,970. The bottom 10% earned $18,840 or less and the top 90% earned $53,410 or more. </p> <p>The highest average salary, at $90,600, was paid to hair stylists in performing arts companies, according to the BLS. However, this industry accounted for only about 130 workers. More typical was the average of $33,680 paid to the approximately 240,920 workers in personal care services. Health and personal care store stylists, comprising about 8,450 workers, and technical and trade school stylists (240 workers), were below the national average at $30,620 and $28,810 respectively. </p> <p>Salaries varied somewhat by geography. In the top five states, hair stylists in Massachusetts earned an average salary of $46,310 in 2020 and those in the Washington earned $45,260 on average. In comparison, those in District of Columbia earned $42,270, while those in Colorado earned $40,420 in 2020. Finally, hair stylists in New Jersey earned $39,160. </p> <h3 id="section---WhereDoProfessionalsWork">Where Do Professionals Work?</h3> <p>Hair salons, spas, department stores, employment services and nursing homes are some of the businesses where you are most likely to find a job. You could also lease chair space at a salon or open your own business. The BLS reported the number of people employed as hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists was projected to increase 19%, from around 569,600 in 2020 to about 680,100 by 2030. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillMyJobDutiesBe">What Will My Job Duties Be?</h3> <p>Cutting, styling, bleaching, dyeing and tinting the hair of your clients will be your main duties. You might also shampoo their hair if shampooers are not employed on the premises. The client may give you styling directions or leave them to your discretion, in which case you will analyze the shape and proportion of their face, head and neck to choose or invent something compatible. During or after styling sessions you might recommend hair care products. </p> <p>Other duties are clerical or not directly related to styling. For example, you might have to set appointments and work a cash register to accept payments. You will always be responsible for keeping your work area and equipment clean and sanitary. Ordering supplies, keeping tax records and promoting your services will be among your duties if you're self-employed. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3> <p>Similar to hair stylist, manicurists and pedicurists help clients enhance their beauty. Although, instead of specializing in hair care, they clean and cut finger nails and toe nails. Skin care specialists take on a similar task, specializing in cleaning and beautifying skin on a client's face and body.</p>