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Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists salary in California

Median: $38,660 / year · $18.59 / hr · 2025

8% above the U.S. average

Mean
$48,290
$23.22 / hr
Median hourly
$18.59 / hr
10th–90th percentile
$35,360 – $68,640
U.S. median
$35,790
Wage distribution (annual)
  • 10th percentile$35,360
  • Median$38,660
  • Mean$48,290
  • 90th percentile$68,640

U.S. median $35,790

Take-home estimate

$32,320

On a $38,660 OEWS median, single filer (2024). Not tax advice.

  • Federal income tax$2,655 (6.9%)
  • State income tax$727 (1.9%)
  • Social Security$2,397 (6.2%)
  • Medicare$561 (1.5%)
  • Net take-home$32,320 (83.6%)
  • Share of $38,660 gross (single filer). Not tax advice.

Open take-home calculator →

Living-cost context

$34,917

U.S.-average purchasing power of this median. California RPP is 110.7 (11% above the U.S. average).

California cost of living →

ZIP codes in California

92336Fontana city90011Los Angeles city90650Norwalk city94565Pittsburg city91331Los Angeles city90044Los Angeles city92335Fontana city90250Hawthorne city90805Long Beach city90201Bell Gardens city91342Los Angeles city90280South Gate city

All California ZIP codes →

Highest-paying states for Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists

California ranks #9 of 50 states and DC with a published OEWS median ($38,660).

Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists median salary by state
RankStateMedian
#1 Highest Washington$59,510
#2Oregon$57,580
#3District of Columbia$54,570
#4South Dakota$49,800
#5Vermont$48,650
#6Connecticut$44,620
#7Maine$44,000
#8Minnesota$39,170
#9California$38,660
#10North Carolina$38,410
#11Montana$38,000
#12New Mexico$37,750
#13Colorado$37,690
#14Massachusetts$37,290
#15Arizona$36,810
#16Pennsylvania$36,790
#17Maryland$36,420
#18Ohio$36,260
#19Wisconsin$36,230
#20New Jersey$36,150
#21New York$35,760
#22Iowa$35,700
#23Idaho$35,480
#24Utah$35,140
#25Hawaii$35,040
#26North Dakota$34,850
#27Michigan$34,820
#28New Hampshire$34,650
#29Georgia$34,560
#30West Virginia$34,480
#31Delaware$34,350
#32Nebraska$34,320
#33Illinois$34,040
#34Nevada$33,840
#35South Carolina$33,700
#36Indiana$32,830
#37Alaska$32,150
#38Tennessee$31,310
#39Rhode Island$31,200
#40Missouri$30,750
#41Texas$30,680
#42Kentucky$29,840
#43Kansas$29,710
#44Oklahoma$29,650
#45Florida$29,530
#46Wyoming$29,170
#47Alabama$29,150
#48Arkansas$28,830
#49Mississippi$27,560
#50 Lowest Louisiana$26,030

Frequently asked questions

What is the median hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists salary in California?
The OEWS median is $38,660 per year ($18.59 / hr) (2025), 8% above the U.S. average.
How much does a hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists make per hour in California?
The OEWS hourly median is $18.59 / hr.
Is this take-home pay?
No. OEWS is pre-tax. A single-filer estimate on this median is about $32,320 after federal, state, and FICA. Use the take-home calculator to change the gross.
How does hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists pay compare nationally?
The California median is 8% above the U.S. average versus the U.S. OEWS median of $35,790.
Which states pay hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologistss the most?
Washington has the highest published OEWS median at $59,510. California ranks #9 of 50.
What is that salary worth after California living costs?
BEA all-items RPP is 110.7 (U.S. = 100), 11% above the U.S. average. $38,660 in California has about the same purchasing power as $34,917 at U.S. average prices.