Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists
SOC code 39-5012 · O*NET-SOC 39-5012.00 · Medium preparation needed
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$35,790
a year
Hourly
$17.21
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$43,960
$21.13 per hour
Middle 50%
$30,120 – $48,830
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$27,040 – $71,190
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
305,710
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $27,040
- $13.00/hr
- 25th percentile
- $30,120
- $14.48/hr
- Median percentile
- $35,790
- $17.21/hr
- 75th percentile
- $48,830
- $23.48/hr
- 90th percentile
- $71,190
- $34.23/hr
What do hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists do?
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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Keep work stations clean and sanitize tools, such as scissors and combs.
- Schedule client appointments.
- Bleach, dye, or tint hair, using applicator or brush.
- Cut, trim and shape hair or hairpieces, based on customers' instructions, hair type, and facial features, using clippers, scissors, trimmers and razors.
- Shampoo, rinse, condition, and dry hair and scalp or hairpieces with water, liquid soap, or other solutions.
- Update and maintain customer information records, such as beauty services provided.
- Analyze patrons' hair and other physical features to determine and recommend beauty treatment or suggest hair styles.
- Massage and treat scalp for hygienic and remedial purposes, using hands, fingers, or vibrating equipment.
How to qualify for this work
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.
Common questions
How much does a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists earn?
The national median is $35,790 a year. The full range runs from $27,040 at the 10th percentile to $71,190 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening3.9/5
- Speaking3.8/5
- Critical Thinking3.4/5
- Active Learning3.3/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
- Sales and Marketing4.2/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Administration and Management3.3/5
- Education and Training3.2/5
- Public Safety and Security3.0/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.0/5
- Administrative2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making, Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving.